By Felicia LI
The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) recently concluded the Fourth Plenary Session successfully. The session adopted the Recommendations of the CPC Central Committee on Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) for National Economic and Social Development, which not only outlines a grand blueprint for China's medium- to long-term development but also injects unprecedented momentum into Hong Kong's future.
For Hong Kong, which stands at a crucial juncture of moving from stability to prosperity, the 15th Five-Year Plan serves as a clear action guide. It provides direction for future development, industrial transformation, and social integration, while offering a strong impetus for progress. Against this historic backdrop, Hong Kong must proactively align itself with national strategies, seize the six major opportunities presented in the plan, and comprehensively advance high-quality development—thus contributing Hong Kong's strength to the modernization of the nation.
The six key opportunities are as follows:
1. Greater Bay Area Integration
The national plan emphasizes deeper integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), positioning Hong Kong as both a "super connector" and a "core engine." From cross-boundary infrastructure like the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge to the high-speed rail network, "hard connectivity" has been significantly enhanced. Meanwhile, "soft connectivity" in terms of rules and institutional alignment is progressing steadily. These developments will help Hong Kong overcome geographical constraints, optimize resource allocation across a broader economic hinterland, and better integrate into the national development landscape.
2. Innovation and Technology Development
The plan calls for accelerating high-level scientific and technological self-reliance, injecting strong momentum into Hong Kong's development of new productive forces. With its strong research base and global outlook, Hong Kong can deepen collaboration with cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou to build a new model: "R&D in Hong Kong, transformation in the Mainland, and outreach to global markets." This supports Hong Kong's goal of becoming an international innovation and technology hub.
3. Northern Metropolis Development
The Northern Metropolis has evolved from a local development vision into a strategic component of China's regional coordination strategy. As a key initiative in the 15th Five-Year Plan, it will help unlock land resources, expand urban space, and drive integration of industry and city, ultimately enhancing the overall living and business environment in Hong Kong.
4. Upgrading Traditional Strengths
The nation supports Hong Kong in strengthening its positioning as "three centers and one hub"—namely, as an international financial, trade, and shipping center and a legal and dispute resolution services hub. Hong Kong should take advantage of national programs like financial liberalization, green finance, and digital RMB pilots to strengthen its position as a global financial powerhouse.
5. Building an Innovation Ecosystem
The plan promotes the development of an international innovation and technology ecosystem in the GBA. This offers Hong Kong a platform to achieve deeper integration with other Bay Area cities across innovation, industry, capital, and talent chains. Strategic zones like the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Cooperation Zone will become focal points for policy breakthroughs and resource aggregation, attracting global tech talent and investment to Hong Kong.
6. Enhancing Livelihood and Well-being
Hong Kong also reflects the people-centered development philosophy. As Hong Kong further integrates into national development, residents will benefit from more high-quality job opportunities, improved public services, and expanded upward mobility for youth—thereby enhancing their sense of gain, happiness, and satisfaction.
At this new historical starting point, Hong Kong must firmly grasp the alignment between "what the nation needs" and "what Hong Kong excels at." By actively participating in the national modernization process, we can move from stability to prosperity. With confidence, determination, and capability, Hong Kong will take its place in the broader national development agenda, unite collective strength, and contribute even more significantly to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
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