Hong Kong’s 5-year plan consultation has sparked valuable discussions

HONG KONG, 19 AUGUST 2026 —

Hong Kong’s consultation on its first five-year plan drew 16,700 submissions in total, with more than 12,000 from individuals and 4,700 from organisations.

Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Janice Tse Siu-wa said the majority of individual responses focused on livelihood issues, while submissions from political parties, think tanks, chambers of commerce and academics covered a broader policy mix. The government described the exercise as “a milestone in public administration” and said the resulting blueprint will include binding and predictive targets aligned with China’s 15th five-year plan.

The consultation paper covered finance and trade, innovation and technology, livelihoods and social development, the Northern Metropolis megaproject, regional cooperation and integrated development of sports, culture, tourism and green living. Artificial intelligence analysis of the submissions showed general support for deeper, more targeted integration with national development, particularly the cultivation of strategic emerging sectors and expansion of Hong Kong’s role as an international financial hub and innovation and technology centre.

Respondents urged faster progress on the Northern Metropolis, especially pooling resources for the university town and the Hong Kong Park within the Lok Ma Chau Loop’s Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone. Cyberport chairman Simon Chan Sai-ming said the fintech hub plans to position itself as a key driver by expanding artificial-intelligence development, talent training and cross-border data governance.

Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk Wing-hing said the five-year plan will advance environmental measures aligned with the national policy direction, including cutting carbon emissions, reducing pollution and pursuing green development. Social policy experts called for a population policy that addresses ageing, while media stakeholders urged the building of a healthier media ecosystem amid rapid technological disruption.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will deliver his policy address in September instead of October to allow quicker implementation of the five-year plan.