The Hong Kong SAR Government will launch a public consultation tomorrow (June 15) on Hong Kong's first five-year plan. Financial Secretary Paul
Chan wrote in his blog today (June 14) that the five-year plan will help businesses, enterprises, society, and citizens better plan for future development, as well as help society build consensus, pool resources, and strengthen development momentum.
Chan stated that the national "15th Five-Year Plan" provides clear forward-looking positioning for Hong Kong, including consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong's status as an international financial, shipping, and trade center, building an international hub for technology and innovation, strengthening its role as a global offshore renminbi business hub, establishing a commodity trading ecosystem, and creating a highland for gathering top-tier international talent. These strategic directions provide guidance for Hong Kong. However, how to align these directions with Hong Kong's strengths and characteristics while addressing its shortcomings, how to lock in specific implementation pathways, and how to amplify development dividends—these are the key issues that need focused discussion during the consultation process.
Chan mentioned that "AI+" and "Finance+" are two strategic directions worth in-depth exploration. AI is no longer just a technology industry in itself; it plays a critical role in enhancing the competitiveness of all sectors. For trade, AI can integrate commercial data to improve trade financing efficiency. For finance, it can strengthen data analysis, risk management, and customer service. Meanwhile, "Finance+" means leveraging Hong Kong's full-chain financing functions, including building a more robust patient capital system to inject development momentum into cutting-edge technology companies. Chan expressed hope that the public will share their views during the consultation on how to optimize and deepen these efforts.
Chan further noted the need to strengthen coordinated development with different regions across the country. He revealed that he will depart for Shanghai and Nanjing this week. In Shanghai, he will attend the Lujiazui Financial Forum to explore further coordinated financial development between Shanghai and Hong Kong, and promote the implementation of more concrete mutually beneficial cooperation. He will also visit technology innovation companies in Nanjing to further strengthen cross-regional collaboration in technology innovation and financial empowerment between the two cities.
Chan concluded that Hong Kong's five-year plan is not only about generating greater development momentum for the economy and better application of technology, but also about achieving more inclusive and equitable development for society, creating more quality jobs for citizens, and improving their quality of life. The public consultation will last for two months, and the government will gather public opinions through various channels. He called on society to work together to help Hong Kong move forward on a more solid foundation.
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