Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, participated in a radio phone-in programme on September 18, answering questions about the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) (2026-2030) and his fifth Policy Address, both unveiled on September 16. The plan sets five main objectives: better livelihoods for all; breakthroughs in economic development; expanding global competitiveness and influence; faster development of the Northern Metropolis; and better serving the country.
On expanding global competitiveness, Lee emphasized leveraging Hong Kong's international status and networks. "The strength of Hong Kong is its international status, and we have been emphasising on how we ensure the internationalism or the 'internationalness' of Hong Kong. We are expanding to cover every part of the world where we can reach," he said, noting government offices, including Economic and Trade Offices, Invest Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, in countries worldwide. "I'm very serious about expanding our network." Since taking office four years ago, Lee has led delegation visits to ASEAN Member States, the Middle East, and Central Asia, with colleagues frequently visiting South Africa and Kenya.
Lee highlighted the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) headquarters in Hong Kong as a boost to influence, noting its United Nations status. An international office under the global network of corruption prevention authorities will also be set up. "Hong Kong is an international city, which not just is very good at doing business, but is exercising its responsibility as a global participator, and also, we really can contribute," he said.
The Northern Metropolis (NM) project, covering about one third of Hong Kong's geographical area, is a key focus to boost long-term economic development and integration with national development. "The Northern Metropolis represents about one third of our geographical area. So it is a big piece of land that gives us new opportunities. An opportunity to upgrade ourselves, both from the accommodation angle as well as development angle," Lee said. He noted the NM is mentioned in China's 15th Five-Year Plan, elevating it to a state-driven project. "And with the elevation of position, we will have to work hard. And I am sure that the Central Government will also help us to ensure that this will be a success story."
On artificial intelligence, Lee stressed balancing opportunities and risks. "Last year, we talk very much about how we should benefit from the application of AI, how it will do things faster, and how it will also do things more correctly," he said. "So while we develop and ensure people understand and use it, we also need to tell everybody the potential risks that it will bring." The government will create a Commissioner for AI post to set policy, coordinate resources, identify problems, set best practices, issue guidelines, and develop AI for the whole government. "And also, very importantly, is developing AI for the whole of government with a view to, after we have developed our experience, let the world also learn from these experiences," Lee added.
For business and technology leaders, these initiatives signal expanded opportunities in Hong Kong's diversification and AI governance, potentially influencing global partnerships and innovation strategies. More information is available at https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/.
