Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee on Wednesday (Sept. 16) unveiled the first five-year plan for economic and social development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) and delivered his 2026 Policy Address.
In deepening international co-operation and exchanges, the 2026 Policy Address put forward that the Government should:
1. Build an international exchange platform
The Government will spare no effort in arranging and organizing the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation Finance Ministers' Meeting to be held in the HKSAR in October, and continue to organize the various events to establish HK as a global platform for high-quality financial dialogue.
The DEVB will again host the International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit in November, showcasing HK and the Mainland's advanced construction technologies.
2. Attract more international organizations to establish a presence in Hong Kong
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) chose to establish in HK its first centre of excellence on global advanced manufacturing in the Asia-Pacific region. It is expected to begin operation in the second quarter of next year, demonstrating HK's strengths in the field.
The Government will deepen its co-operation with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)26 in raising HK's status as a maker of international financial rules and persuading more international financial institutions to establish their presence in HK.
With the support of the country, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has successfully pushed forward the establishment of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's GlobE Network Asia Pacific Regional Bureau in HK.
3. Establish the Hong Kong International Academy of Policing
The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) will establish the Hong Kong International Academy of Policing in November. Dedicated to organizing international hallmark training programmes, police leadership forums and overseas outreach training programmes, the Academy will deepen international police exchanges, reinforcing the HKPF's brand as "Asia's Finest".
4. Establish a World Health Organization-accredited Emergency Medical Team
The HHB is working with the HA and co-ordinating the efforts of the relevant government departments to establish an Emergency Medical Team, and plans to apply to the World Health Organization next year for accreditation.
5. Boost the global influence of the innovation and technology sector
The Government will organize a large-scale international AI conference in HK to promote open source and openness as well as co-operation and sharing, and to foster synergistic development of AI innovation and applications.
The ITC has launched the Special Call on Academic Journals and will soon announce the vetting results to support local universities and professional organizations in publishing internationally influential academic journals. It will also encourage them to continue their efforts to host international academic and professional conferences.
6. Attract Asian and international sports associations to establish a presence in HK
A pilot scheme was launched earlier this year to provide financial support for local national sports associations (NSAs) to participate in the work of Asian and international sports associations, as well as to attract Asian and international sports associations to establish a presence in HK. To date, four associations have set up their headquarters or regional headquarters in HK.
7. Consolidate HK's position as an Asia-Pacific broadcasting hub
To promote the sustainable development of the local television broadcasting industry, the Government will review the Generic Codes of Practice for Television to ensure that regulation keeps pace with the times, and that diversified and quality programmes are broadcast, expanding the reach of the "Hong Kong Brand" to the Asia-Pacific region.
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