The two-month public consultation for Hong Kong’s inaugural five-year plan officially concluded on Friday, drawing more than 16,000 submissions from citizens and stakeholders across a wide range of sectors, according to Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Janice Tse.

Speaking to reporters at the close of the consultation period, Tse highlighted the strong engagement from the community.

"Public response has been very enthusiastic. General public and stakeholders from different sectors take the formulation of Hong Kong's first five-year plan very seriously and are keen to contribute their views and suggestions," she said.

Throughout the consultation, over 100 sessions were held, around 30 of which were personally led by Chief Executive John Lee to gather input from different industries and professional groups.

In addition, Tse noted that authorities visited other Greater Bay Area cities to seek feedback on ways to further align with regional development.

"Hong Kong's first five-year plan will help us better seize both international and national development opportunities. It is not only a matter for the Hong Kong SAR, but also an integral part of the national 15th Five-Year Plan," she said.

"Hong Kong's five-year plan is a major initiative to integrate into and serve the overall development of the country and at the same time a milestone for public administration in Hong Kong."

Among the key topics raised in the submissions were proposals to advance the development of the "Four Centres and One Highland" – which include Hong Kong’s roles as an international financial, shipping, trade, and innovation and technology hub, alongside its ambitions to become a global talent hub.

Many respondents also voiced support for accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis.

Beyond economic and strategic planning, however, Tse noted that citizens expressed concern over livelihood issues, including housing, healthcare, education and welfare.

Given the substantial volume of feedback, the government is now employing artificial intelligence to help synthesise and analyse the collected views.

Authorities aim to release the final document in September.


Edited by Aaron Tam