By Chu Lap-wai
As a National People's Congress (NPC) Deputy representing the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), my participation in the 2026 Two Sessions in Beijing has been a deeply formative and inspiring experience. Reviewing the Government Work Report, deliberating the draft 15th Five-Year Plan, and holding substantive discussions with fellow Deputies nationwide have afforded me first-hand insight into China's formidable development momentum and the central government's steadfast commitment to Hong Kong's prosperity. At this pivotal juncture – marking the successful conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan and the launch of the 15th – the Two Sessions not only set the national agenda for advancing the Chinese path to modernisation, but also lay out a clear roadmap for Hong Kong to deepen its integration into the country's overall development strategy.
Anchoring Hong Kong's Growth in National Strategic Priorities
The 15th Five-Year Plan establishes the foundational framework for China's progress towards socialism with Chinese characteristics, building on the exceptional achievements of the past five years: a national economic output exceeding 140 trillion yuan, the robust expansion of new quality productive forces, and landmark breakthroughs in scientific and technological self-reliance. Critically, the plan prioritises the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), with targeted policy commitments to support Hong Kong in maximising its unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" framework. This reaffirms a fundamental truth: Hong Kong's destiny is inextricably tied to that of the motherland. Only by embedding itself within the national development landscape can Hong Kong unlock new growth frontiers and overcome its domestic development bottlenecks.
Deepening Greater Bay Area Integration: Unlocking Hong Kong's Unique Competitive Edges
Deepened GBA integration stands as a core priority from the Two Sessions, providing the pivotal platform for Hong Kong to translate its strengths into tangible growth. The plan's commitment to enhanced cross-GBA connectivity will dismantle remaining regulatory barriers, cementing Hong Kong's status as a leading international shipping and aviation hub. Targeted collaboration in tech innovation, financial services and legal services will align Hong Kong's world-class competitive sectors with national strategic needs, driving their high-end upgrading.
In the tourism sector, I have tabled proposals to promote cross-border yacht travel, streamlining customs clearance and regulatory alignment to develop Hong Kong as an Asian yachting hub and unlock the GBA's maritime tourism potential. I have also advocated for deeper cooperation between eastern Hong Kong and Shenzhen's Dapeng Peninsula, including the establishment of a maritime port with joint boundary control system and a cross-border coastal tourism cooperation zone, to create a world-class eco-tourism destination that delivers tangible benefits to local livelihoods and advances regional integration.
Upholding Whole-Process People's Democracy: Fulfilling My Mandate as an NPC Deputy
The Two Sessions have also deepened my practical understanding of whole-process people's democracy – from grassroots community consultations ahead of the session, to rigorous deliberations throughout, ensuring every constituent voice is heard and every proposal is given due consideration. As an NPC Deputy, I am committed to delivering on three core responsibilities: first, acting as a bridge to disseminate Two Sessions policies across Hong Kong society and resolve barriers to effective implementation; second, driving forward GBA integration by advancing regulatory alignment and cross-border tech innovation collaboration; and third, sharing the success stories of China and Hong Kong's "one country, two systems" practice with the global community, to attract international talent and investment to the city.
Investing in Talent and Innovation: Hong Kong's Core Contribution to National Self-Reliance
The Government Work Report's explicit focus on "investing in people" aligns seamlessly with Hong Kong's world-leading strengths in education and talent development. Home to five of the world's top 100 universities and 15 national key laboratories, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to develop into a global hub for high-end talent, not least through the Northern Metropolis University Town initiative. I have also tabled proposals to uphold educational equity through strengthened cross-border law enforcement cooperation to crack down on fraudulent academic qualifications, safeguarding the integrity of Hong Kong's education ecosystem.
Turning Vision into Action for Hong Kong's Renewed Prosperity
The unwavering support of the central government remains the firmest pillar underpinning Hong Kong's journey from stability to lasting prosperity. As we embark on the 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong must stand united, leverage its unique advantage of enjoying strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world, and translate the inspiration of the Two Sessions into tangible, results-driven action. By aligning its development closely with national strategy, Hong Kong will not only write a vibrant new chapter for the "Pearl of the Orient" but also make a meaningful contribution to China's modernisation and national rejuvenation.
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