Chief Executive John Lee laid out a four-direction blueprint for Hong Kong's development in the coming year at the 2026 Spring Festival Reception Hosted by the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region today (Feb. 4).
In his speech, Lee stated that Hong Kong is steadily advancing on the journey from stability to prosperity. He highlighted the city's robust economic performance in 2025, which saw a 3.5% year-on-year GDP growth, with total goods exports and imports surging by 12%.
"Hong Kong maintained its status as the world's freest economy last year, with its global competitiveness ranking rising to third. It also ranked fourth globally in both talent competitiveness and digital competitiveness," Lee said. He noted a record high of over 11,000 mainland and overseas companies having established operations in the city.
The Chief Executive attributed these achievements to the nation's steadfast support, the SAR government's relentless efforts, and the unity of Hong Kong citizens, underscoring the unique advantages of "one country, two systems."
As the Year of the Horse gallops in, Lee pledged that the SAR government would work with all sectors to proactively integrate into national development strategies and deepen regional cooperation.
He outlined the following four key directions for Hong Kong's development in the new year:
1. Proactive Integration into National Development: The government will actively align with the framework of the national 15th Five-Year Plan, which begins this year, and for the first time, formulate its own five-year plan. It will deepen all-round cooperation with Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area cities to build a world-class bay area.
2. Consolidating and Enhancing International Status: Efforts will focus on strengthening Hong Kong's roles as an international financial, shipping, and trade center, while building it into an international innovation and technology hub and a gathering place for high-end talent. This includes accelerating the establishment of an international gold trading market and attracting more high-value industries to the Northern Metropolis. A dedicated task force has been established to support mainland enterprises in going global and to attract international capital.
3. Improving People's Livelihoods: The ultimate goal of development is a better life for citizens. Lee cited several imminent improvements, including the enactment of new provisions on continuous contracts, the commencement of Hong Kong Chinese Hospital services, the first batch of about 8,000 Light Public Housing units ready for occupancy in the first quarter, and a new minimum wage adjustment mechanism taking effect in May. Support for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and the underprivileged will be strengthened, with more opportunities created for youth upward mobility.
4. Upholding Executive-Led System and Governance Efficacy: The executive-led system under "one country, two systems" is a cornerstone of Hong Kong's stability. The government will further implement this principle, fostering constructive interaction between the executive and legislative branches. Reforms will continue to better combine an efficient market with a proactive government.
Concluding his speech, Lee expressed confidence that Hong Kong would leverage its dual advantages under "one country, two systems" to usher in a new future of success and prosperity in the Year of the Horse.
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