The Business and Professionals Alliance (BPA) on Wednesday proposed that dedicated teams could be established to expedite the development of the Northern Metropolis.

The suggestion was among a number of ideas it put forward for the city's first five-year plan, covering a wide range of areas such as infrastructure, innovation and technology, economic development, as well as the SAR's status as an international finance and aviation hub.

The BPA said the workforce for projects under the Northern Metropolis development could comprise of elites from relevant departments — for example education, plannings, and commerce.

By having them working together at the same site, BPA vice-chairwoman and lawmaker Priscilla Leung said it could streamline the approval process and shorten the time needed from months to just days.

She said that fast-developing mainland cities, particularly Beijing and Hefei, have set up dedicated teams to work on particular projects, instead of getting a number of departments to be in charge.

"When they find a project to be very special, [that] has to be quickly approved, they work together and help that to be approved very soon," Leung said.

She went on to say that all personnel involved, including officials, should sign a so-called task commitment statement to strengthen their discipline and implementation awareness.

"When you take up the responsibility to develop the Northern Metropolis, this is a big task, mission, and really the only opportunity for Hong Kong to climb up for our second era," Leung said.

"So I believe this signing act is not only an act, it really can be a very strong driving force."

Outstanding performers, she said, could be rewarded.

As for the university town, Leung suggested authorities make transfers possible between local, mainland and overseas institutions, as the SAR might not have sufficient professors for certain fields.

The two-month public consultation for the five-year blueprint concludes on Friday.




Edited by Tony Sabine