Chief Executive John Lee on Wednesday said Hong Kong’s first five-year blueprint would serve as the guide for the SAR’s development and that the government would work at full speed to complete the plan.

In his address marking Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day, Lee said that the annual Policy Address would align with the blueprint, roll out measures based on the year's actual situation, and set specific targets.

"Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan is taken as a vital step towards ensuring economic and social advancement," Lee said.

"As an important vehicle for pursuing the vision of 'people-oriented' governance, it covers a wide range of areas concerning people's livelihood and well-being, including the economy, infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing and so on.

"We will actively integrate into and serve the overall national development through further reinforcing and enhancing Hong Kong's status as a premier international hub in finance, shipping, trade, and innovation and technology."

Lee said that another focus of the government’s work would be fast-tracking the development of the Northern Metropolis, adding that the site has "progressed from the blueprint phase to maturity".

The Northern Metropolis will mark a breakthrough for Hong Kong's development, he added, as it embodies the vision of integrating industries, technology, and a university town, and creating an environment ideal for living, working, and travelling.

The government will also continue to improve people’s livelihoods. It will provide young people with greater prospects and enhance care for the elderly, Lee said.

Since taking office four years ago, his administration has seen a number of achievements, the CE added, such as lowering the average public housing waiting time from 6.1 to 4.7 years – a low of more than eight years.

As the day also marks the 105th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China, he noted that the nation's vibrancy and prosperity have always been Hong Kong's strongest backing and expressed confidence that Hong Kong will open up a brighter future by riding the wave of the nation’s development.

Hong Kong's first astronaut, Lai Ka-ying, sent her wishes in a message from space.

She made history by unfurling the SAR flag aboard the Tiangong space station.

"As the first astronaut from the SAR, every day of this mission has filled me with deep pride at being part of our nation's space programme. I also sincerely believe that our country's goal of becoming a leading space power not only drives the progress of human civilisation but also contributes to building a better future for all mankind," Lai said.

"I also sincerely hope that, with the care and support of our motherland, the SAR will become even more prosperous and stable."

Zhou Ji, the director of Beijing's liaison office in Hong Kong; Dong Jingwei, the head of Beijing's Office for Safeguarding National Security in the SAR; and Cui Jianchun, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong, were among those attending the ceremony.



Edited by Robert Kemp