Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (September 16) announced the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan).  

Formulated in the opening year of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, this inaugural Five-Year Plan for Hong Kong represents a major initiative of the HKSAR Government to uphold and enhance the executive-led system, and to improve the efficacy of its governance. It also addresses the strategic planning need for Hong Kong to proactively align with national development strategies, so as to better integrate into and serve the national development.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said, “This inaugural Five-Year Plan for Hong Kong is of monumental significance. Not only is it an action agenda for Hong Kong to better capitalise on the aggregate advantages arising from national and international opportunities, but also a pathway for continuously enhancing social well-being. By formulating the Five-Year Plan, it shall shed light on Hong Kong’s directions of development, optimise resource allocation, enhance social expectation certainty, and better protect social well-being as well as the interests of investors across the world. Hong Kong will become a more attractive, vibrant and opportunity-rich world city.” 

Open up new horizons and drive Hong Kong forward

Under Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong will focus on strengthening the four centres, developing the hub for high-calibre talent, consolidating and enhancing its competitive edge as an international city; expedite the development of the Northern Metropolis (NM) to spearhead spatial layout optimisation; deepening the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and creating an international collaboration network; enhancing social well-being and refining the social protection framework; as well as adopting a holistic approach to development and security while enhancing public governance efficacy. Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan sets out a total of 105 indicators covering a wide range of areas, including 22 major indicators in Part 1, as well as 57 and 26 work indicators contained in the tables and main text of individual chapters respectively.

Strengthen the four centres, develop the hub for high-calibre talent, consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s edge in global competition

In the coming five years, Hong Kong will continue to consolidate and enhance “four centres and one hub”, that is to consolidate and enhance its status as an international financial, maritime, and trade centre, and an international aviation hub, while expediting the city’s development into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre, and building an international hub for high-calibre talent, attracting global capital, talent, and financial enterprises. 

To consolidate and enhance its status as an international financial centre, Hong Kong will strengthen its roles as a global offshore Renminbi business hub, an international asset and wealth management centre, and an international risk management centre, while developing a commodity trading ecosystem and aligning financial services with the needs of the real economy.

As an international maritime centre, Hong Kong will stabilise its container throughput, add value and strengthen synergy, driving a “volume to value” transformation of the Hong Kong Port through developing a high value-added maritime service ecosystem. To enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub, it will deeply engage in the development of the national aviation network and continue to launch new routes. Hong Kong will also develop an aviation industry ecosystem with a global edge and build Hong Kong into the Asia-Pacific hub for innovative low-altitude applications. 

As an international trade centre, Hong Kong will continue to uphold free trade, maintain a zero custom tariff, and support the rules-based multilateral trading system. Hong Kong will continue to expand its international economic and trade network, develop a high value-added supply chain services centre, continuously pursue the comprehensive upgrade of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), and develop digital trade as well as cross-border e-commerce. 

For the development of an international I&T centre, Hong Kong will press full steam ahead with the development of the new “three major I&T parks and five key research and development institutions” paradigm. The three major I&T parks, i.e. the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone and San Tin Technopole, the Science Park, and Cyberport, will form the “north-central-south” development paradigm in Hong Kong. In alignment with the core areas of strategic frontier technologies in the country and Hong Kong, the five key research and development institutions (i.e. the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute, the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute, the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute and the Life and Health Technology Research Institute) will enhance Hong Kong’s public research system and the efficacy of its I&T framework. Through promoting new industrialisation, Hong Kong will foster the upgrading and transformation of traditional industries, developing and strengthening emerging industries, and planning for future industries. Hong Kong will also intensify the regulatory reform of drugs and medical devices, build a comprehensive infrastructure and digital portal for clinical trial, and nurture local medical innovation talent, with a view to developing Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub.

     To develop an international hub for high-calibre talent, Hong Kong will promote the integrated development of education, technology, and talent, by which it will cultivate and attract talent for technological innovation and industry development, aligning with national strategic needs. At the same time, Hong Kong will establish the “Study in Hong Kong” brand, attracting and retaining non-local talent. 

     Hong Kong will continue to leverage its advantages as an international city. With the unique edge as a common law jurisdiction under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong will deepen the efforts to develop the city into a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services, a hub for high-calibre legal talent, and a global capital of mediation. Hong Kong will develop a regional intellectual property trading centre through forging an intellectual property trading ecosystem. It will also develop an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, through which Hong Kong will deepen the integrated development of culture, sports and tourism, and develop diverse arts, culture, and creative industries. Hong Kong will drive wider participation in sports, develop elite sports, maintain the city as a centre for major international sports events, enhance professionalism in sports, and develop sports as an industry. Hong Kong will also develop a core demonstration zone for multidestination tourism.  

Expedite the development of the Northern Metropolis, spearhead spatial layout optimisation

     The Northern Metropolis is a new engine for Hong Kong to develop new quality productive forces. It is also a main platform for Hong Kong to deeply participate in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and to actively integrate into and serve the overall national development. A blissful, vibrant and innovative metropolis will be developed through an approach that is planning-oriented, infrastructure-led, industry-driven, and people-oriented, with the NM University Town, I&T, industry, and an environment suitable for living, work, and travel as the development objectives. The Government will develop the San Tin, Hung Shui Kiu, and Ta Kwu Ling University Towns based on the development concept of “One Town, Five Elements”, i.e. education, technology, industry, talent, and urban development. Each university town comprises a campus area, a technology area, an industry area, and a living community area, forming a hub for talent development. The San Tin University Town will be positioned to focus on the development of medicine, life and health technology, AI, robotics, microelectronics, and emerging industries, serving as the core of future I&T development in Hong Kong. The Hung Shui Kiu University Town is positioned as a cultivation centre for smart manufacturing applied post secondary education and internationalised talent, fostering a diverse range of industries. Meanwhile, the Ta Kwu Ling University Town will incorporate arts and blue green development elements, while reserving strategic development space to support future development needs.

Deepen the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and create an international collaboration network

     Hong Kong will continue to deepen its participation in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.  Hong Kong will continue to promote the “hard connectivity” of infrastructure, including cross-boundary railway projects. It will foster “soft connectivity” by deepening the alignment of rules and mechanisms, such as facilitating the mutual recognition of professional qualifications in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and facilitating a cross-boundary flow of factors. To achieve “connectivity of hearts” among the residents of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, Hong Kong will advance collaboration in health care, elderly care, environmental protection, sports, culture and tourism, etc, developing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into an international first-class bay area with global influence. At the same time, Hong Kong will continue to deepen international co-operation and exchanges, leverage its strengths as a world city to actively participate in the work of international organisations, and deeply participate in the high-quality co-operation under the Belt and Road Initiative, so as to create an international collaboration network.

Enhance social well-being and refine the social protection framework

     The ultimate objective of governance lies in enhancing social well-being. The dedicated part in Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan sets out clearly the strategic direction in livelihood-related areas such as education, youth and women’s development, a harmonious and inclusive society, health care, housing, strengthened support for the disadvantaged groups, labour protection, elderly care, green transformation, etc, so as to continuously strengthen the sense of fulfilment, happiness, and security in the community, enabling the citizens to benefit from the high-quality development of the country and the city. 

Adopt a holistic approach to development and security, enhance public governance efficacy

     Security is the prerequisite for development, while development reinforces security. Under the guidance of the holistic national security approach, Hong Kong will strengthen the top-level structure, and enhance the legal system and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security. Hong Kong will actively explore the development of the “AI City Brain” integrated city management system and strengthen disaster prevention, mitigation and response capabilities so as to enhance the resilience of its economy and society across the board. Meanwhile, Hong Kong will deepen the reform for the public governance implementation mechanism, and advance the digitalisation and intelligentisation of public administration, thereby building an efficient government.

A framework is established under Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan where “Five Year Plan leads, Policy Address implements, Budget supports, annual report gives accounts”, delineating division of labour to advance the relevant tasks in an orderly manner. The implementation of the Five-Year Plan will be monitored and assessed, with adjustments made in light of actual circumstances.

Mr Lee concluded, “The Government will stay committed to the ‘people-oriented’ ethos, strive relentlessly to enhance social well-being, and sustain economic development, so as to build a Hong Kong that is more open, more inclusive, more liberal, more prosperous and safer.”

For the full document of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and related information, please visit the dedicated website (www.hk5yplan.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Chapter III  Strengthen the Four Centres and Develop the Hub for High-calibre Talent

(A) International Financial Centre

31. We will consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre, and stay committed to our global positioning. Hong Kong will deepen the development of its global offshore Renminbi (RMB) business and capital market, develop an international asset and wealth management centre and international risk management centre, enhance the securities market and expand fixed income and commodity trading. Through upgrading our real economy with the introduction of green elements, digitalisation and innovation, and reinforcing our connection with the Mainland and the world, we will cement our status as a global capital financing hub.

Global Offshore Renminbi Business Hub

32. In 2025, offshore RMB lending in Hong Kong registered a record high of RMB 935 billion, while bond issuance reached RMB 1 trillion for two consecutive years, consolidating the city’s status as a global offshore RMB business hub.

33. We will continue to boost our market development:

Enhance Liquidity
(i) The RMB Business Facility introduced last year provides banks with a stable and relatively lower-cost source of RMB funds, supporting the wider use of RMB in the real economy and radiating funds to regions such as the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Middle East and Europe. The facility size has been expanded to RMB 500 billion, with loan tenor extended up to three years. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is exploring enhancements of the Currency Swap Agreement with the People’s Bank of China to strengthen offshore RMB market liquidity and consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a global offshore RMB hub.

(ii) The HKMA will introduce a tendering mechanism of seven-day offshore RMB liquidity to expand channels for banks to meet their short-term financing needs. It will also explore the issuance of offshore RMB short-term debt instruments, to provide more high-quality investment and liquidity management products for the market, while supporting the building of an offshore RMB yield curve.

Expand the Dim Sum Bond Market
(iii) Expand dim sum bond issuance with an enhanced tenor structure in due course, seek support from the Ministry of Finance to increase the scale and frequency of bond issuance in Hong Kong, encourage policy financial institutions to issue bonds in Hong Kong.

(iv) The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) will launch the HKEX Offshore RMB Bond Index as a reference for market trends and an underlying index for exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Diversified Products
(v) The HKMA will explore expanding product scope under the Southbound Bond Connect to include products with Hong Kong Dollar bonds and RMB bonds as underlying assets.

(vi) The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) is preparing for the inclusion of RMB counters under the Southbound Trading of Stock Connect, while the HKEX will encourage listed companies to set up RMB counters.

Diversify Risk Management Tools and Asset Uses
(vii) Following the official launch of China Government Bond Futures, the SFC will support the HKEX to enrich its RMB foreign exchange futures products.

(viii) The scope of acceptance of Northbound Bond Connect bonds as collateral will be expanded to the three clearing houses under the HKEX; a bond repurchase business using Southbound Bond Connect bonds as collateral will also be developed, with a view to vitalising the assets of local and non-local investors.

Deepen External Collaboration and Promotion
(ix) The HKMA, the People’s Bank of China and Bank Indonesia are expected to kick-start the bilateral currency transaction framework between offshore RMB and Indonesian Rupiah this year, and the HKMA will explore arrangements for direct exchange between offshore RMB and other currencies.

(x) The HKMA will encourage more foreign banks in Hong Kong to directly join the Cross-border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) to expand the clearing network, and will deepen collaboration with the central banks in such areas as ASEAN and Middle East countries, forge closer ties with regions including Central Asia and Latin America, and visit Indonesia with the Hong Kong Association of Banks to promote Hong Kong’s offshore RMB services.

Develop New Growth Areas in Fixed Income Markets

34. Hong Kong is the largest hub for arranging international bonds issued by Asia-based entities, with the volume of issuance arranged in Hong Kong accounting for about a quarter of the global total in 2025. We will further consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an international fixed-income hub:

(i) The SFC will refine the regulatory framework for the fixed income market by formulating internationally aligned standards for issuance and trading practices.

(ii) The Bond Connect Company Limited, a joint venture established by the China Foreign Exchange Trade System and the HKEX, will develop an electronic fixed income and currency trading platform in Hong Kong. It will initially support bond trading, gradually expanding to money market and foreign exchange trading.

(iii) The SFC will encourage the HKEX to include a new reference rate¹ under Swap Connect in the fourth quarter of this year. The rate, which reflects interbank financing costs in the Mainland, will help global investors manage RMB interest rate risks. The HKEX will also explore the introduction of a central clearing mechanism for bond repurchases to enhance market liquidity.

35. Between 2025 and the first half of 2026, digital bonds issued in Hong Kong captured nearly 50% of the global market, reflecting our leading position in the area. The Government will work to broaden use cases and popularise digital bonds through the following measures:

(i) The issuance of digital bonds will be regularised to drive innovation, such as using digital currencies for settlement and exploring their full-cycle application for digital bonds (such as dividend payment and redemption).

(ii) The HKMA will conduct tests on the operation of the tokenisation of Exchange Fund Bills by year’s end to facilitate banks to further harness the advantages of tokenisation technology to make efficient, round-the-clock use of more than $1.3 trillion worth of Exchange Fund Bills to boost the efficiency of asset and liability management.

(iii) The HKMA’s Tokenised Bond Expert Group will explore innovative solutions and launch its second-phase legal review in collaboration with the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) to facilitate the application of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) in the capital market.

(iv) CMU OmniClear Limited (CMU Omniclear) will establish a digital asset platform this year, providing one-stop service in areas such as the issuance and settlement of digital bonds.

Enhance the Securities Market

36. The performance of Hong Kong’s stock market has been strong. As of the end of August, funds raised through IPOs amounted to over $340 billion, surpassing last year’s total. To further enhance the stock market regime:

(i) The SFC will begin consultation on streamlining prospectus disclosure requirements in 2027 to facilitate the listing of quality overseas enterprises in Hong Kong.

(ii) The SFC and the HKEX will promote dual primary and secondary listing of overseas enterprises, including enterprises from places including Southeast Asia and Belt and Road (B&R) countries, in Hong Kong, and advance the inclusion of Kazakhstan’s qualifying exchanges to the list of recognised stock exchanges.

(iii) The SFC and the HKEX will begin second-stage consultation on increasing the competitiveness of the listing mechanism in the third quarter of this year to refine requirements concerning notifiable transactions, connected transactions and spin-offs. The goal is to reduce compliance costs and increase the flexibility of listed companies in corporate mergers and acquisitions, re-structuring and spin-offs.

(iv) Technology stocks listed in Hong Kong have accounted for over 40% of overall market liquidity. The HKEX will launch a consultation in the first half of next year on amendments related to specialist technology listing, including a review of the market capitalisation threshold.

(v) The HKEX is conducting preparations with the market for launching a “T+1” settlement cycle for the cash market upon co-ordination with relevant Mainland units. It is also collaborating with the HKMA to introduce a wholesale central bank digital currency (i.e. an e-HKD payment solution) for after-hours trading of derivatives. Real-value transactions are targeted for this year.

37. We will deepen cross-product and cross-market integration, as well as the liquidity of capital markets:

(i) The Central Moneymarkets Unit (CMU), operated by CMU OmniClear, will launch global securities services in phases. It will also strengthen connectivity with markets in Europe and America, the Middle East, Central Asia and ASEAN, to facilitate investors’ global asset allocation through the CMU.

(ii) The HKMA and the HKEX will promote mutual access between CMU OmniClear and Depository and Nominee System (DNS) to pursue institutional and technological breakthroughs for exploring the establishment of a unified asset management framework for bonds and stocks, thereby creating cross-asset synergy.

38. The Government will develop a multi-tiered derivatives system, with strengthened risk management and price discovery functions, to raise the efficiency of the market’s asset allocation:

(i) The HKEX will support the industry in developing a variety of thematic indices, broaden the diversity of bond indices, explore the development of commodity indices and launch more index-based ETFs and derivatives, to foster a financial index ecosystem.

(ii) The Derivatives Market Consultative Panel of the HKEX will explore enriching derivatives further, including launching more short-dated stock options and thematic futures and options.

39. The SFC will encourage and support the HKEX to continue to boost market liquidity and improve capital flexibility:

(i) Enhance the margin arrangement across clearing houses and conduct overall assessments on participants’ offsetting position risks in different markets, lowering costs and improving efficiency.

(ii) Expand eligible non-cash collateral types and reduce related fees.

International Asset and Wealth Management Centre

40. Hong Kong has become the world’s largest cross-boundary wealth management centre this year. We will continue to develop a more attractive asset and wealth management ecosystem. This includes stepping up promotion following the passage of a bill on the enhancement of preferential tax regimes for funds, single-family offices and carried interest. The goal is to attract funds and family offices to establish a presence in Hong Kong and more global capital to be managed in the city, while also promoting product innovation and market upgrading:

(i) We will introduce a bill this year to enable the privatisation or restructuring of real estate investment trusts (REITs), and another bill in the first half of 2027 to provide a stamp-duty waiver for the transfer of non-residential properties into REITs seeking to list.

(ii) The SFC will streamline its procedures to attract quality overseas REITs to Hong Kong for dual-listing. It will also revise the codes in the fourth quarter of this year to promote innovation in fund products and broaden investor choices.

(iii) We will continue to seek early inclusion of REITs under mutual-market access.

41. Attracting allocation of diverse capital to quality assets in Hong Kong:

(i) Promote investment by Mainland insurance funds in Hong Kong ETFs through mutual market access, expand the scope of eligible ETF products under the scheme, and promote cross-listing of ETFs on the HKEX and Southeast Asian exchanges.

(ii) Lift the total investment limit on eligible index-tracking ETFs by MPF funds, facilitating MPF funds to take advantage of quality local ETFs.

International Risk Management Centre

42. Hong Kong will further enhance its insurance regulatory regime and establish a multi-layered risk management system to develop a leading risk management centre in Asia, safeguarding the development of the real economy through financial security.

Strengthen the International Reinsurance Hub

43. The Insurance Authority (IA) is actively developing reinsurance and captive insurance businesses to enhance synergy between the capital market and the insurance industry in building an international risk-transfer platform:

(i) Three captive insurers have been authorised this year, bringing the total to nine. They help companies develop comprehensive global risk management capabilities.

(ii) Continue to promote insurance-linked securities (ILS), work to narrow the protection gap for catastrophe risk and review investor restrictions to invigorate the ILS fund trading market.

(iii) Explore legislative amendments to introduce a protected cell company (PCC) structure to lower the costs of establishing captive insurers and issuing ILS.

Develop Specialty Insurance to Meet the Needs of Emerging Industries

44. The development of emerging industries will generate increasing demand for new specialised insurance. The Government and the IA will suitably increase the insurance sector’s underwriting appetite to cover such areas as gold storage, commodity trading and green-fuel bunkering.

Develop a Commodity Trading Ecosystem

Expedite the Development of an International Gold Trading Market

45. The Government will seize the gold trading market’s momentum and strengthen its development:

(i) Officially launch Hong Kong’s central clearing and settlement system for gold in the first quarter of 2027.

(ii) The HKEX will announce details of the new RMB-denominated and physically settled gold futures contracts this year to boost the global influence of the RMB in the pricing of precious metals.

(iii) The Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority optimised its approval mechanism for gold ETFs in July this year, increasing the flexibility of MPF funds investing in gold ETFs.

(iv) The SFC will enhance the regulatory regime for over-the-counter derivatives to facilitate risk and capital management in gold and commodity trading.

(v) The IA will strengthen co-ordination with the industry in arranging insurance for precious metals, and has launched a dedicated specie insurance hotline to connect policyholders with insurers.

(vi) The HKMA is exploring the possibility of increasing the Exchange Fund’s gold holdings and participating in Hong Kong’s spot and futures markets. It is also considering gradually transferring its physical gold holdings to designated vaults appointed by the Hong Kong Precious Metals Central Clearing Company Limited.

(vii) The Government will set up a dedicated Gold Hotline to provide one-stop support for Mainland and overseas gold traders to take part in Hong Kong’s gold trading ecosystem, while encouraging the sector to establish an industry association for gold and host a flagship event in 2027.

(viii) Collaborate with the Financial Services Development Council (FSDC) to launch gold trading-related courses featuring full-chain development and ancillary facility operations.

Expand the International Metal Trading and Delivery Network

46. Since the London Metal Exchange (LME) included Hong Kong in its global warehousing network in 2025, the city’s storage area has exceeded 60 000 square metres, with an inventory of more than 20 000 tonnes of metal to date. We will accelerate the development of a secure and efficient commodity trading hub with international influence:

(i) Implement a half-rate tax concession for physical commodity trading to attract more commodity traders to set up or expand their businesses in Hong Kong; explore a proposal to provide tax concessions for qualifying activities within the gold and commodity trading ecosystem for consultation with the Legislative Council (LegCo) next year.

(ii) Facilitate the establishment of more LME-approved warehouses in the Northern Metropolis (NM) by warehouse operators to promote clustering of physical delivery, financing and risk management services.

(iii) The HKEX plans to launch the LME Steel HRC Shanghai contract on the LME in October to expand international application scenarios of onshore prices and enhance the international influence of China’s futures.

(iv) The HKEX is striving to launch a pilot project for tokenised warehouse-receipt financing in collaboration with designated banks in 2027, using physical tracking technologies to promote the use of commodity inventories as collateral by enterprises in securing liquidity.

(v) The HKEX is establishing a blockchain-backed, multi-asset tokenisation platform, with carbon credits listed on Core Climate² already incorporated. It will also include commodity warehouse receipts from LME-approved warehouses for a pilot next year, to facilitate the flexible allocation of collateral and cross-collateralisation in the market.

(vi) The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) will explore how to facilitate the customs clearance for commodities.

(vii) Encourage the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) to explore the establishment of a special panel of mediators for commodity trading. This would lower the risk of cross-border transactions and attract more international traders and financial institutions to use Hong Kong as a base for trading and settlement.

47. The Government will establish a Joint Working Group on Commodity Trading to be led by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury. In collaboration with relevant financial regulators, it will holistically identify market opportunities and prospects for cross-exchange collaboration.

Development of Green and Sustainable Finance

48. In 2025, green and sustainable bond issuances arranged in Hong Kong accounted for around 40% of Asia’s total issuance volume. This year, the Ministry of Finance arranged its inaugural issuance of RMB sovereign green bonds in Hong Kong. Measures for further expanding sustainable finance include:

(i) Achieve full adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards – Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards) by large publicly accountable entities by 2028 to improve the quality of market disclosure.

(ii) The HKEX will introduce a “Green Equity Designation Scheme” to raise the market profile of eligible green securities issuers. The HKMA will explore new application scenarios for the Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance.

(iii) The HKEX’s Core Climate and the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency will explore Hong Kong’s participation in cross-boundary carbon trading, in a bid to support the country in building a carbon market of greater international influence.

(iv) The HKMA will continue organising Hong Kong Green Week to promote Hong Kong’s leading status as a sustainable finance hub.

Foster Fintech Innovation

49. The SFC will promote fintech to empower industry upgrading. Details include:

(i) Enhance virtual-asset licensing regimes and formulate specific regulatory guidelines to map a clear compliance pathway for virtual asset service providers.

(ii) Improve the regulatory framework for tokenised investment products to facilitate the issuance and trading of tokenised products of gold and other suitable real-world assets on licensed platforms, as well as the launch of innovative products.

(iii) Promote the trading of regulated stablecoins on licensed virtual asset trading platforms and their use in the settlement of tokenised money market funds, raising Hong Kong’s competitiveness as an international digital asset hub.

50. The HKMA is planning to implement central bank digital currency (CBDC) settlement and 24/7 operations under EnsembleTX by around the end of this year, and will continue to explore more use cases for tokenised deposits.

Co-ordinate the Management of New Financial Risks

51. Adhering to the principle of prudent risk management, the Government is committed to increasing the efficiency and security of fintech in serving the real economy:

(i) We will explore enhancing the legal framework to bolster the detection and removal of fraudulent content, including content generated through the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) by sectors such as technology and telecommunications, launching a public consultation on the proposed legal framework by the end of the year. The HKMA is considering using AI technology to analyse payment data, enhancing the capabilities of banks in detecting suspicious transactions. The HKMA is driving the adoption of “iAM Smart” Step-up Authentication in banks and stored value facilities. The first phase of testing related to remote account opening has commenced.

(ii) While quantum computing can enhance financial services in the future, cryptography will need to be upgraded. The HKMA has launched the Quantum Preparedness Index to guide the industry in this regard. It will work with research institutes to facilitate adoption progressively.

(iii) The SFC will begin operation of the digital asset custody surveillance system in the second half of the year, and will activate the CrypTech initiative’s big data market surveillance and anti-money laundering surveillance components in 2027.

52. In addition, the FSTB will consult the public on a legislative proposal enhancing beneficial ownership transparency of companies and express trusts this year, with a view to implementing the latest international standards for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing.

(B) International Maritime Centre and Aviation Hub

International Maritime Centre

53. As our country’s sole international maritime centre operating as a separate customs territory, Hong Kong has ranked fourth globally in maritime comprehensive strength for seven consecutive years. We will drive a “volume to value” transformation of the Hong Kong Port, capitalising on our strengths in high value-added maritime services, to develop Hong Kong into a “Global Maritime Capital”.

Develop a Green Fuel Bunkering and Trading Centre

54. We will ensure a stable supply of green maritime fuel, providing additional facilities and promoting trading:

(i) Announce the first “Green Energy Corridor” in collaboration with a Mainland city later this year, with plans to develop a network of Hong Kong-centric “Green Energy Corridors” in the future, with Mainland cities supplying green maritime fuel for bunkering or trading in Hong Kong.

(ii) Begin the planning application and other statutory procedures regarding green maritime fuel-storage facilities in Tsing Yi South next year, with tenders to be invited in early 2028; and facilitate the development of new storage facilities and the retrofitting of existing oil storage tanks.

(iii) Support the industry in conducting preliminary studies on establishing a green maritime fuel-trading platform and in strengthening related promotional efforts.

(iv) In collaboration with local universities, establish a clear and transparent carbon emission calculation framework for the bunkering and trading of green maritime fuels.

Strengthen the Ecosystem of High Value-added Maritime Services

55. The Government has introduced an amendment bill into the LegCo to enhance the tax concession regimes for maritime services and introduce a half-rate tax concession for physical commodity trading, promoting the development of Hong Kong’s high value-added maritime services industry.

56. We will revamp Hong Kong’s ship registration system, introducing a dual registration arrangement³ to increase flexibility in catering for the diverse commercial operating models of the international maritime sector.

Develop “Finance + Shipping”

57. Taking advantage of our well-established maritime finance, insurance and maritime arbitration under common law, we will build an integrated ecosystem under which Hong Kong-invested enterprises adopt Hong Kong law, take out Hong Kong insurance and choose for arbitration to be seated in Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s international influence will be reinforced through the provision of comprehensive solutions for ship finance, contractual governance, risk management and dispute settlement. To promote the high-quality synergistic development of financial and maritime centres, we will work with the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board and the industry to explore proposals for the synergies between financial and maritime services, with a particular focus on marine insurance and ship finance.

58. The IA will drive the expansion of the underwriting capacity of the industry’s marine specialty risk pool to better manage risks. With the support of the China Shipowners Mutual Assurance Association and the assistance of the Government and the IA, the Hong Kong Shipowners Mutual Assurance Association will conduct international business in Hong Kong.

59. Maritime arbitration cases in Hong Kong have increased in recent years. The Government will continue to promote Hong Kong’s maritime arbitration services.

Promote the Development of a Green and Smart Port and Green Corridor

60. The Government will, in collaboration with port operators, formulate a roadmap for the smart transition and green transformation of the Kwai Tsing Container Terminals. This will include introducing more autonomous electric vehicles, expanding the application of remotely-controlled cranes, supporting operators in developing onshore power-supply facilities, including exploring port dues incentives, to attract international liners to use these services.

61. We will announce the first green shipping corridor with a trading green port this year. Using green fuels and improving bunkering facilities will propel our maritime routes towards net zero carbon emissions.

Develop the Port Community System

62. Over 8 000 enterprises have registered with the Port Community System since its rollout this year. By using trusted cargo-flow data, there have been more than 20 successful applications in which enterprises have secured trade finance. We will further:

(i) Develop offshore trade-cargo tracking with blockchain technology to expand system coverage.

(ii) Launch the Port Community System Enabler Recognition Scheme to commend enterprises that actively participate in and promote the system’s application.

(iii) Provide better support, with funding from the Future Innovative Logistics Acceleration Scheme, for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to adopt innovative logistics solutions that interface with the Port Community System.

Enhance the Comprehensive “Rail-sea-land-river” Intermodal Transport System

63. We will strengthen the Chongqing-Shenzhen-Hong Kong⁴ and Chengdu-Shenzhen-Hong Kong⁵ scheduled freight train services, in combination with the Shenzhen Hong Kong Connect feeder service, as a sea-rail intermodal network that shortens total cargo transportation time between the Chengdu Chongqing region and Hong Kong from two to four weeks down to approximately three days. A container terminal operator has also launched the Chongqing-Qinzhou-Hong Kong sea rail intermodal service, backed by daily liner service, to connect Hong Kong Port with the New International Land Sea Trade Corridor.

64. The Government will continue to explore the development of inter-provincial land freight transport and direct river-sea intermodal transport modes to expand our cargo hinterland.

65. The Government will study application scenarios, regulatory considerations and other support measures in relation to autonomous ships in Hong Kong, to prepare Hong Kong for participation in the national development of a smart and green logistics model. It will use “water to water transhipment”, which focuses on river-sea intermodality.

Expand the Partner Port Network

66. The Government will announce the second batch of partner ports, and channel more maritime routes from Central and South America to call at the Hong Kong Port. We will also expand collaboration with Mainland ports and promote the establishment of a “brother port” relationship with Shanghai this year.

Establish a Maritime Academy

67. We will promote the establishment of a maritime academy in Hong Kong, and support representative maritime institutions to establish a presence in the city. The goal is training high-calibre maritime talent under an “institution enterprise collaboration” model. We will also work with the trade to formulate cross-disciplinary, career-progression pathways within the industry, while expanding talent development co-operation with international maritime organisations.

Promote Modern Logistics Development

68. A feasibility study on the development of a “business and trading zone for re-export” will begin this year to remove barriers and ease restrictions for the development of high value-added logistics services. We will also make preparation for the update of the Roadmap for ESG Development for Logistics Industry to promote green and sustainable logistics development.

69. We are inviting the market to submit expressions of interest for the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen modern logistics cluster. We will formulate the development mode, taking industry views into account, with the target of releasing the first batch of land parcels starting from the end of 2027 at the earliest.

International Aviation Hub

70. In 2025, Hong Kong’s passenger throughput recorded a year-on-year increase of 15%, to 61 million, with flights to over 220 destinations. The city’s air cargo throughput reached 5.07 million tonnes, making our airport the world’s busiest cargo airport for the 15th year since 2010. Passenger departure facilities at Terminal 2 have begun operations, while the Terminal 2 Concourse will be commissioned before the end of next year, enhancing the airport’s overall capacity.

Expand the Aviation Network

71. Since last year, the Government has updated or expanded existing bilateral air-services arrangements⁶, or entered into new arrangements⁷, with 20 aviation partners. We will continue to take the initiative to visit South America, Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East and the Caucasus to expedite the conclusion of new air services agreements and the expansion of traffic rights, thereby assisting the industry in exploring new passenger and cargo sources.

72. The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) will continue to encourage airlines to launch new routes and increase the frequencies of existing ones. As at the end of August, 40 airlines had launched 94 new routes covering regions in Asia, Europe, North America and Africa, while flight frequencies on 15 existing routes were increased.

Develop a New Ecosystem for the Aviation Industry

73. To support the large-scale development of home-grown aircraft, we will actively press ahead with the development of production of high-end parts, parts processing and storage, maintenance support and leasing and sale of aircraft and parts. We will also collaborate with international partners in the aircraft dismantling and recycling business, to develop a globally competitive aviation industry chain and enhance training for pilots and aviation professionals.

Foster the Development of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Industry

74. The Government has spearheaded the establishment of Hong Kong’s world leading sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production base in Dongguan, which will begin production by 2030. We are planning to construct the first SAF blending facility in Hong Kong, and are studying the establishment of a mandatory consumption-ratio mechanism and the development of a green energy certification system to boost our green energy value chain and maintain a long-term supply of competitive SAF.

¹”The 7-day fixing repo rate between banks in the Mainland” (FDR007)

²Launched by the HKEX in October 2022, Core Climate is an international, voluntary carbon-credit-trading platform. It specialises in offering trading, custody and settlement functions for quality voluntary carbon credit products and carbon-emission reduction projects to enterprises, investors and project owners around the world.

³The dual-registration arrangement to be introduced refers to the arrangement to suspend an original owner registration and undertake a demise charter registration at another ship registry.

⁴Connecting Chongqing, Shenzhen’s Yantian Port and Hong Kong, the Chongqing-Shenzhen-Hong Kong freight train service provides scheduled and fixed-point freight operations under the sea rail intermodal network.

⁵Connecting Chengdu, Shenzhen’s Yantian Port and Hong Kong, the Chengdu-Shenzhen-Hong Kong scheduled freight train service provides scheduled and fixed-point freight operations under the sea rail intermodal network.

⁶The Mainland, Israel, Malta, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, Vietnam, Qatar, Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil and Azerbaijan.

⁷Chile, Peru, Poland, Togo, Argentina, Ecuador, Cuba and Uzbekistan.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Chapter I Formulate the First Five-Year Plan and Start a New Chapter for Hong Kong

 (A) Four-Year Review

1. The current-term Government has been in office for four years. During those four years, Hong Kong’s economy has gone from negative growth of minus 3.7% to positive growth of 3.6% last year. For the first half of 2026, the economy even grew 5.1% year-on-year, marking the strongest half-year performance in almost five years. Total exports of goods also grew by over 26% year on year. Our Gross Domestic Product surpassed $3.3 trillion in 2025. The numbers of registered local and non-local companies both hit record highs, and the total amount of funds raised through initial public offerings (IPOs) is ranked among the world’s top. Median monthly employment earnings among citizens have risen by a cumulative 20% over the past four years. Our achievements have won recognition around the world. We are consistently ranked as the world’s freest economy. We have become the largest cross-boundary wealth management centre globally, and reclaimed our position as the world’s third-largest international financial centre. Our world competitiveness ranking has climbed to second place, while we have jumped 10 places to rank fourth globally in talent competitiveness. We have been ranked third in education competitiveness, with five of our universities among the world’s top 100.

2. Over the past four years, the Government has worked to resolve many deep-seated and long-standing problems, including regulating ride-hailing services by legislation to fill the legal vacuum that has existed for years; rationalising traffic flow among the three harbour crossings to relieve the chronic cross-harbour traffic congestion; enacting the Basic Housing Units Ordinance to eradicate substandard subdivided units (SDUs) in residential buildings in an orderly manner; launching Light Public Housing (LPH); shortening the Composite Waiting Time for Subsidised Rental Housing (CWT) by 1.3 years, from 6.1 years to 4.8 years, setting the lowest level in over eight years for two consecutive quarters; and combating the abuse of public rental housing (PRH) with over 10 000 units recovered, equivalent to two large public housing estates, enabling people to move into their flats sooner.

3. We have fully implemented the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” and strengthened interactive exchanges between the Executive and the Legislature. We have improved governance at the district level, set up District Services & Community Care Teams (Care Teams) and visited more than 600 000 elderly households and households in need to enhance district support services.

4. We have introduced reforms to the approval system for drugs and medical devices, by establishing “primary evaluation” and preparing for the establishment of the Centre for Medical Products Regulation, enabling people to gain earlier access to more advanced treatment. We have also advanced primary healthcare development and strengthened chronic disease management, so that the public can benefit from early prevention and early treatment. In addition, we have introduced a reward scheme for the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme, allowing shared use of vouchers between spouses, and extending its application coverage to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Furthermore, we have also improved manpower for public healthcare, brought in talent and started the preparation for establishment of the third medical school. The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK) also commenced services.

5. We have abolished the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) offsetting arrangement; changed the Statutory Minimum Wage review frequency from biennial to annual; and improved the threshold under the continuous contract requirement from what has been commonly referred to as the “418” requirement to the “468” requirement. This enables more workers to receive greater protection.

6. The National Games was co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao for the first time and with great success. Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), following its grand opening, has quickly become one of the most popular sports and entertainment venues in the world. This has enhanced Hong Kong’s capability and attractiveness in hosting large-scale sports events, concerts and other activities, boosting our mega-event economy.

7. Embracing a result-oriented approach, I transformed government culture, establishing a government-wide mobilisation mechanism. It has been activated in the aftermath of extreme weather and for large-scale drills, raising the Government’s overall preparedness and emergency response capabilities.

8. The Government has brought violence to an end and restored social order and is handling key cases concerning offences endangering national security in accordance with the law. The Government has also completed local legislation for Article 23 of the Basic Law, gloriously fulfilling its constitutional responsibility, which took more than 26 years to accomplish, and establishing a comprehensive and effective shield for safeguarding national security. Hong Kong has further strengthened national security, maintaining the city’s prosperity and stability, and creating a more stable and predictable environment for business and development.

(B) Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan

9. By formulating successive national Five-Year Plans, our country has thrived through sustained endeavour, and enhanced social development and livelihoods in each of its five-year periods, realising significant achievements that are impressive at a global level.

10. This year marks the opening year of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has formulated our first Five-Year Plan (the Five-Year Plan) to proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, seizing opportunities for development while better integrating into and serving the overall national development. In the thick of accelerating global changes not seen in a century, the vibrant momentum driven by our country’s robust strength, enormous market and high-quality development presents Hong Kong with boundless opportunities. We will better develop our economy and boost social well-being, starting a bright new chapter for Hong Kong.

11. The Five-Year Plan is a forward-looking, strategic, and directional guiding document for Hong Kong, a blueprint for the city’s economic and social development over the next five years. The Policy Address, meanwhile, is an annual report on the implementation of the Five-Year Plan, together with the Chief Executive’s policy priorities for the year having regard to actual circumstances. The two documents are interconnected and inextricably related.

12. The Five-Year Plan is the blueprint for economic and social development. The Policy Address seeks to realise the blueprint by adjusting policy agenda and formulating work indicators annually, in response to the global environment as well as economic outlook and dynamics. It also sets out details of the key policy priorities, major works and infrastructure projects for the year.

13. Over the coming year, as we move ahead with the implementation of the Five-Year Plan, the Government will focus on the key policies and major projects set out in the Policy Address. Through the allocation of resources in the Budget and a cross-departmental co-ordination mechanism, we will regularly review progress and ensure the orderly implementation of objectives.

Chapter II  Fully, Faithfully and Resolutely Implement the “one country, two systems” Principle

(A) Fully and Faithfully Implement

“One Country, Two Systems”

14. “One country, two systems” is the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability, and we must stay committed to the cause. With a resolute commitment, we will continue to fully and faithfully implement the principles of “one country, two systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy. Practical experience has proven that by upholding the principle of “one country” and leveraging the advantages of “two systems”, Hong Kong is able to make better use of its strengths and seize the opportunities presented by our country’s development, ensuring the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems”.

(B) Safeguard National Security

15. The fundamental premise of the “one country, two systems” principle is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. In the face of intricate risks and complex challenges amid the accelerating changes not seen in a century, we must establish a bottom-line mindset to mitigate risks and hidden threats. Safeguarding national security is a never-ending process and a continuing mission of the HKSAR.

16. The successive implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance has provided better protection for the security of our country and Hong Kong. We will continue to improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security, upholding the unity of the Central Government’s fundamental responsibility and the HKSAR’s constitutional responsibility for safeguarding national security.

17. We will follow a holistic approach to development and security. Security must never be overlooked in promoting development. High-quality development must be safeguarded by high-level security; in turn high-level security must be underpinned by high-quality development.

18. Our implementation of measures safeguarding national security has brought a sense of stability, certainty and predictability to the market. Hong Kong is a “safe harbour”, and a “safe harbour” is a “harbour for development”. Security has become a clear advantage for Hong Kong’s development.

19. To respect and abide by the national security laws is not only a responsibility, but also an obligation of each and every one of us. The HKSAR Government will continue to reinforce promotional and educational efforts in respect of national security. The National Security Exhibition Gallery, the first physical national security education base in Hong Kong, has attracted over 1.9 million visitors since its launch in August 2024. The Government will expand the gallery and enrich its contents to promote the concept that “security brings prosperity”.

(C) Uphold and Enhance the Executive-Led System

20. The HKSAR Government will uphold its executive-led system and assume its main responsibility. It performs the roles and functions of a co-ordinator, facilitator and enabler, and enhances its working mechanism for advancing various areas of work through pragmatic and effective measures. These measures maintain social stability, support high-quality economic development, and enhance people’s well-being.

21. Under the principle of executive-led governance, the executive authorities and the legislature check and balance and co-operate with each other. Both focus on jointly addressing social issues, developing the economy and improving people’s livelihood.

(D) Implement the Principle of “Patriots Administering Hong Kong”

22. Since the improvement of the HKSAR’s electoral system in 2021 and district governance system in 2023, the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” has been fully implemented, providing solid institutional safeguards for the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems”.

23. The HKSAR will devote its efforts to preparing for the Election Committee Subsector Ordinary Elections to be held on November 22 this year, as well as the Chief Executive Election and the District Council Ordinary Election next year. We will ensure that these elections are conducted in a fair, just, honest, safe and orderly manner.

24. We will strengthen patriotic forces with affection for the country and our city, placing particular emphasis on nurturing young people and uniting patriots from all sectors in the community. By establishing communication platforms, we will create a more extensive network of patriotic groups, working in unison to resolve challenges.

(E) Promote Patriotic Education

Strengthen Affection for and Sense of Belonging to the Country

25. We will align with the strategic initiative of “fostering virtue through education in the new era” under the 15th Five-Year Plan, as well as enhancing students’ sense of national identity and building their cultural confidence. To that end, we will extend the promotion of activities for the Constitution and Basic Law Student Ambassadors Training Scheme to all publicly-funded primary and secondary schools. We will also launch a new national security education online platform to tie in with the updated Curriculum Framework of National Security Education in Hong Kong, and provide more learning and teaching resources as well as teacher training courses on national geography.

26. We will deepen patriotic education for young people by making good use of the Mainland’s resources to deliver multi-faceted and content-rich exchange and internship activities as well as designating annual themes, such as the country’s aerospace achievements and the supply of Dongjiang water to Hong Kong. This will enable young people to witness first-hand the country’s development and achievements, deepening their understanding of the nation’s history and culture as well as its enduring bond and kinship with Hong Kong.

Promote Hometown Culture

27. Since the launch of the Clansmen Culture Promotion Scheme in 2024, annual funding of $10 million has been provided to subsidise the organisation of activities in promoting hometown culture. The Scheme has so far funded over 100 such activities of clansmen associations. Starting from the 2027-28 financial year, the Government will continue to earmark funding of $10 million annually to support clansmen associations in organising more activities, with particular emphasis on deepening young people’s understanding of and sense of belonging to their hometowns.

Enrich Patriotic Education Resources

28. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March. Yan’an is a sacred place of the Chinese revolution and the cradle of New China. With the support of the Central Government, we will list the Yan’an Revolutionary Memorial Hall in Shaanxi Province as the second patriotic education base for the youth of the HKSAR in the Mainland, and encourage students and young people to visit the place for study. We will continue to communicate with relevant Mainland departments on the inclusion of more patriotic education facilities to enrich Hong Kong’s patriotic education resources.

Establish a Museum to Showcase the Development and Achievements of Our Country

29. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) is collaborating with relevant national museums, including the National Museum of China and the Museum of the Communist Party of China, to take forward the preparatory work for the establishment of a museum in Kwu Tung North. The museum will focus on the development and achievements of our country, showcasing our country’s rapid progress and remarkable achievements in such areas as technology, sports and culture. It will also highlight Hong Kong’s role in national development and the unique advantages of “one country, two systems”.

Promote Chinese Culture

30. The Chinese Culture Promotion Office has since its establishment in April 2024 organised various well-received exhibitions, with the Chinese Culture Festival and the General History of China Exhibition Series curated as annual flagship brands. The Chinese Culture Festival will continue to feature high-quality projects, showcasing profound traditional Chinese culture to tell the good stories of China to the world.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Part 6 Adopt a Holistic Approach to Development and Security, Enhance Public Governance Efficacy

6.1 Security is the prerequisite for development, whereas development reinforces security. We will adopt a holistic approach to development and security, so as to drive a shift towards a prevention based model for security governance of the city, enhancing the resilience of the economy and society. While spearheading various initiatives with a reform oriented mindset, we will enhance the risk alert mechanism, step up inter departmental collaboration, map out division of work and responsibilities, do away with unreasonable restrictions and cumbersome procedures, so as to induce development impetus. By leveraging new technologies such as AI, we will promote the digitalisation and intelligentisation of public administration, so as to empower and enhance management standards through technology. We will persistently take forward reforms to the civil service system, with a view to building a team of civil servants that is professional, highly efficient and with patriotic fervour and love for Hong Kong.

Chapter 26 Enhance Security Governance

Section 1 Safeguard National Security

6.2 We will continue to improve the HKSAR’s legal system and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard national security, with a view to, in strict alignment with our country’s national security framework, establishing the HKSAR’s legal system, strategic system, policy system, as well as risk prevention and control system for safeguarding national security under the principle of “one country, two systems”. Under the guidance of the holistic national security approach, we will enhance the synergy and collaboration among various government departments to fiercely combat infiltration, sabotage, subversion, and separatist activities by overseas hostile forces and local anti China destabilising forces, thereby ensuring national security and social stability.

6.3 We will strengthen the top level structure to robustly safeguard national security under an authoritative chain of command. We will consolidate and enhance the role of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR in effectively assuming its primary responsibility for safeguarding national security, and actively prevent, suppress, and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security, thereby further building up a solid defence for national security in Hong Kong. We will continue to strengthen the duty of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR to support the National Security Adviser and the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR in carrying out the mandates for safeguarding national security in accordance with the law.

6.4 We will resolutely ensure that laws are observed and strictly enforced to bring offenders to account. We will enhance the national security risk monitoring and warning regime as well as the emergency response mechanism for major incidents, while strengthening synergy and collaboration among government departments. We will ensure the synergisation between the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and relevant local laws, while rigorously carrying out national security related law enforcement, and earnestly upholding the authority and dignity of laws on national security.

6.5 We will strengthen national security education, and put in place a regularised, diversified, and all encompassing national security education and publicity system through a multipronged strategy. We will continue to raise civil servants’ self awareness of safeguarding national security, while actively promoting national security knowledge at schools, communities, and enterprises. In the meantime, we will strengthen national security education promotion programmes targeting young people to foster their sense of nationhood, national affection and national identity.

6.6 We will review and improve counter terrorism strategy in Hong Kong, continuously monitor the global terrorism trend and counter terrorism measures, develop specialised counter terrorism training, and optimise various contingency plans. We will also deepen cooperation and exchanges at cross-boundary and international levels, in addition to the expansion of community intelligence networks, with a view to comprehensively enhancing Hong Kong’s overall counter terrorism deployment and preparedness, and enhancing counter terrorism governance capabilities.
 

Table 40 Enhancing Counter-Terrorism Governance Capabilities

1. Strengthening inter-departmental coordination and cooperation Conduct an average of 120 counter-terrorism exercises of different types annually over the next five years, so as to strengthen inter-departmental coordination and co-operation, as well as to test and enhance capabilities in the areas of counter-terrorism intelligence gathering and analysis, response and recovery, etc.

2. Large-scale inter-departmental counter-terrorism exercises Through relevant working groups under the Counter-Terrorism Three-tier Prevention Framework²⁴, make preparations for a large-scale inter-departmental counter-terrorism exercise every 12 to 18 months, which will serve as an interim target and a milestone for reviewing the effectiveness of counter-terrorism exercises.

        
6.7 We will advance technological empowerment for national security, and enhance national security capability building in key areas and emerging domains. We will bolster our cybersecurity defence system by deepening the HKSAR Government’s cybersecurity protection, collaboration, and emergency coordination mechanisms. 

We will also work in collaboration with institutions in the Mainland and overseas to identify at an early stage the emerging international cyber threats and attack trends, so as to boost our capabilities in ensuring cybersecurity. Meanwhile, we will strengthen the system security and overall resilience of critical infrastructures on all fronts.

6.8 We will safeguard the computer system security of critical infrastructures for maintaining the normal functioning of society, so as to enhance the overall security of Hong Kong’s computer systems. In addition to enhancing the framework for data governance, we will proactively align with the safety rules for national and international data to facilitate synergy and collaboration in areas such as standards, technology innovation, and information sharing, etc. We will also enhance the comprehensive management of cyber space and data security.

Section 2 Strengthen Disaster Prevention,Mitigation, and Response Capabilities

6.9 We will develop a smart city management system, leveraging AI to comprehensively enhance the efficacy of city management and security governance. We will proactively explore developing an “AI City Brain” integrated city management system with the use of new technologies such as AI, big data, and the Internet of Things, etc. for real time inter departmental data sharing and smart analysis. Real time perception, risk alert, instant prediction, and synergised processing will be realised in the management and operation of the city, thereby creating an intelligent hub for city management and security governance. We will enhance the resilience of the city through new technologies, so as to lay a solid foundation for the sustainable economic and social development amid the new round of technological revolution.
 

Table 41 Developing a Smart City Management System

1. Exploring the development of Hong Kong’s “AI City Brain” integrated city management system Explore the development of Hong Kong’s “AI City Brain” integrated city management system with the use of new technologies such as AI, big data, and the Internet of Things, etc., making high-quality contributions to the enhancement of management efficacy and security of our city.

2. Fostering digitalisation and upgrading of infrastructure resilience Capitalise primarily on aerospace satellite remote sensing, phased array radars, integrated high-density three-dimensional land-sea surveillance networks, and AI frontier technologies, to promote sharing of data and information networks with the Mainland, so as to enhance the capabilities of quick assessment and information dissemination in case of inclement weather and earthquake hazards. Conduct R&D on AI model for a smart flood forecast and alert system, which can consolidate real-time hydrometric, precipitation, and tidal data for quick simulation of flood scenarios. Foster the digital intelligence transformation of traditional infrastructures such as transport, energy, drainage, water supply, and communications, etc., and introduce technologies of digital twin, condition monitoring, and predictive maintenance.

3. Leveraging the Internet of Things Fire Detection System to enhance building fire safety standards Actively promote the installation of the Internet of Things Fire Detection System as well as specified fire service installations and equipment, as an alternative solution for old buildings to enhance fire safety standards under the statutory requirements. Actively encourage voluntary installation of the Internet of Things Fire Detection System in other suitable buildings to further enhance the overall fire safety standards.

4. Leveraging AI in the Transport Sector Set up a traffic management platform to enhance the overall efficiency of the transport network. Leverage big data analytics and AI to predict traffic fluctuations, identify bottlenecks, and formulate contingency plans, thereby assisting in traffic management and transport planning.

6.10 We will comprehensively enhance fire safety governance efficacy and improve the relevant legislation and regulatory systems. While inspections and rectifications on fire safety risks will be made, we will implement an accountability mechanism, with a view to raising the awareness on fire and disaster prevention of responsible persons across all sectors. We will improve the response strategy for tackling major fire incidents, and enhance the structure and composition of professional rescue teams, so as to enhance firefighting and rescue capabilities under extreme conditions (including in skyscrapers) and maximise emergency response efficacy at major fire scenes continuously. We will pursue legislative amendments of the Fire Services Ordinance to comprehensively improve the fire safety legislation and regulatory systems, thereby enhancing the deterrent effect and enforcement effectiveness.

6.11 To comprehensively enhance building safety governance, we will focus on tackling aged and dilapidated buildings. We will reform building rehabilitation strategies, enhance the support for owners in technical, works tendering, and financial aspects, with an official organisation to gate keep the tender process through rigorous intervention, and combat corruption and bid rigging in maintenance works in a targeted manner. Through promoting preventive maintenance, early intervention, and the use of technology, we will assist owners in a holistic manner enabling them to conduct regular inspections and maintenance for aged and high-risk buildings. We will also amend the Buildings Ordinance to strengthen regulation of the maintenance works sector and increase penalty for non compliance, thereby enhancing professional conduct and upholding works quality.

6.12 We will deepen building management reform and develop a smart community network. We will strengthen the Government’s coordination and involvement in building management, step up efforts to support owners’ corporations and owners, leverage the platform of the District Councils to facilitate exchanges of management experience, promote the joint property management model²⁵ in an orderly manner, and encourage innovative application of smart management solutions.

6.13 We will strengthen flood control and drainage, shoreline management, and slope safety management. We will upgrade the overall flood control capabilities in the aspects of works, ecology, and digital intelligence, etc. We will review the stormwater drainage systems of Hong Kong systematically, implement the works for stormwater interception, rainwater storage, as well as drainage improvements, enhance the city’s drainage and regulation capabilities in coping with frequent rainstorms and short duration heavy rainfall, and enhance the synergised layout of drainage networks and flood control facilities in districts. Through multi-layered protection design, flood risks in coastal areas brought by sea level rise and storm surge will be mitigated. In the meantime, we will continuously manage and control slope safety risks in a holistic manner.

6.14 We will deepen the overall prevention and control system for public law and order. We will step up efforts to prevent and combat telecommunications fraud and cyber fraud, drug offences, etc., and enhance the capabilities to intercept the supply of drugs at source at boundary control points and in the logistics chain. We will continuously promote anti deception and anti drug publicity and public education in the community to strengthen citizens’ self awareness of guarding against drugs and deception. We will strengthen cross-boundary cooperation by collaborating with Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies as well as police organisations to enhance intelligence sharing on newly emerged crimes, including cyber fraud and telecommunications fraud, thereby identifying and preventing cross-boundary crimes at an early stage.

6.15 We will strengthen inter departmental emergency coordination capabilities and community support mechanism. We will proactively and systematically step up regularised inspections on various public safety risks (in particular fire, flooding, typhoon, etc.) to identify potential hazards at source, thereby achieving “early identification, early warning, early response”. We will refine the complaint mechanism for public safety matters, and transform public concerns into an entry point of risk management, so as to enhance the overall sense of security in the community through inter departmental collaboration. We will implement the “Emergency Responder Scheme” at the community level, and mobilise local organisations, voluntary groups, and residents’ committees to participate in training sessions and drills on emergency response, thereby enhancing the resilience of the whole community in disaster prevention and mitigation, building 
a “Safe Hong Kong”.

6.16 We will strengthen the development and management of the emergency planning system and refine the HKSAR’s emergency response mechanism under an overall safety and emergency response framework. We will comprehensively deepen Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao emergency response and rescue collaboration, and continuously enhance the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Emergency Response and Rescue Operational Plan, thereby developing a systematic Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area emergency response mechanism to enhance the capabilities for effecting joint disaster prevention, mitigation, and relief, as well as responding to major public emergencies.

Chapter 27 Enhance Public Governance Capabilities

Section 1 Enhance the Civil Service System

6.17 We have put the “patriots administering Hong Kong” requirement into practice. We will improve the civil service training management system and formulate government wide training requirements. A regular cooperation mechanism for civil service training will be set up with relevant Mainland units, and close exchanges with relevant Mainland authorities will be maintained, with a view to strengthening the sense of “loving the country and Hong Kong” among civil servants, establishing the “people-oriented” philosophy of governance, deepening civil servants’ understanding of national strategies, and broadening their international perspectives. This will build a civil service that is highly committed, dares to innovate, and moves with the times.

6.18 We will enhance our governance structure and performance management. We will build up and reinforce the Heads of Department Accountability System, enhance the civil service performance appraisal system, promote a civil service management system that is fair in giving out rewards and meting out punishments, and duly recognise civil servants who have strong sense of commitment, embrace innovation, and excel in performance. We will continue to enhance the use of manpower resources and build a more versatile and streamlined civil service. We will exercise strict control over the civil service establishment, leveraging process digitalisation and application of AI, so that the existing workforce will focus on high value strategic decision making and businesses, with a view to optimising the deployment and efficiency of manpower resources.

6.19 We will strive to build an efficient government. Through active recruitment and publicity, we will encourage talent with aspirations and commitment to join the Government. We will further entrench the people oriented service ethos in the civil service and gear our civil servants up for undertaking a “dual role”, that is, while discharging their duties conscientiously, they should also be able to swiftly respond to major incidents by providing crucial support for cross-departmental response teams.

Section 2 Advance the Digitalisation and Intelligentisation of Public Administration

6.20 We will leverage AI technology to reform public administration. We will accelerate the implementation of AI projects by the Government and create more real world application scenarios, with a view to enhancing the efficacy of public administration. We will deepen the development and use of data resources and enhance AI and data governance by requiring bureaux and departments to make good use of departmental data catalogues and support a wider application of the Consented Data Exchange Gateway to promote data sharing within the Government, thereby providing more public services that better serve the public and the business sector.
 

Table 42 Leveraging AI to Enhance Public Services

1. Applying digital tools and technologies in creating a platform of big data analytics to enhance public housing management Progressively develop and consolidate a digital centralised estate management platform for in-depth integration of digital technology into daily management, thereby re-engineering processes in relation to estate management and maintenance, etc. for enhancing both the overall quality and effectiveness of public housing management. Introduce the Internet of Things and smart sensor technologies in PRH estates to conduct real-time monitoring of key infrastructure and common spaces round-the-clock, promoting the adoption of a data-driven estate management model to create a more secure, convenient, and comfortable smart living environment for residents.

2. Leveraging information technology to enhance safeguarding mechanisms and monitoring tools for optimal utilisation of PRH resources Adopt multipronged measures, including optimising the allocation of PRH units and facilitating transition to subsidised home ownership, etc., to encourage PRH tenants who have the means to move up the housing ladder and achieve home ownership, thereby increasing the turnover rate of PRH units to benefit more households in need. Leveraging information technology and data analytics to step up surveillance for combating PRH abuse to ensure that every PRH unit is allocated to those in greatest need, thereby safeguarding a fair, rational, and sustainable public resource allocation system.

3. Introducing new technologies to consolidate smart enforcement Leverage new technologies such as AI, big data, drones, and robotics, etc. to enhance work efficiency and efficacy of law enforcement agencies, build a more robust network to prevent and combat crime, and effectively carry out immigration control, while promoting clearance facilitation, thereby delivering better policing as well as customs and immigration services to the public, and consolidating safeguards for public order.

6.21 We will empower integration of processes through digital intelligence to build an efficient and co ordinated smart government. We will promote wider adoption of the “digital first” principle in government processes, while strengthening the cloud infrastructure and common data platforms of the Government. We will expand the digital identity functions and one stop e services powered by “iAM Smart” and the Digital Corporate Identity (CorpID) Platform. We will expedite the application of AI and I&T in a safe and orderly manner within the Government to holistically enhance the efficiency and accuracy of decision making support and public service delivery. In the meantime, we will encourage local R&D in and practical application of more innovative solutions with respect to “Smart Mobility” and “Smart Living”. We will also continue to promote the open data policy to actively provide data for the public through the Open Data Portal, thereby creating conditions conducive to smart city development.
 

Table 43 Empowering Process Integration through Digital Intelligence

1. Strengthening the role of “iAM Smart” as a one-stop mobile gateway for the public Continue to integrate e-government services into the single platform of “iAM Smart”, which, coupled with the functions such as “mini programme” mode, digital documents, and “AI Assistant”, etc., helps ensure “single portal for online government services”, and continuously extend their application scenarios to public and private organisations, such as healthcare, property management and cross-boundary services.

2. CorpID Fully develop CorpID into a key infrastructure for Hong Kong’s digital economy, providing all corporations with a unified and trustworthy framework with respect to digital identity and authorisation. It is expected that all corporate-related digital government services and government forms will support the use of CorpID within 2028.

Chapter 28 Deepen Institutional Reforms

Section 1 Reform the Public Governance Implementation Mechanism

6.22 We will ensure effective implementation of policy measures. Various bureaux, departments, and relevant organisations will formulate specific work that are practicable, assessable, and subject to accountability. By coordinating resources and enhancing communication, we will rationalise critical workflows across different policy areas, departments, and procedures, so as to delineate clearly the division of work and responsibilities. In the light of specific policy requirements and objectives, we will endeavour to enhance procedures, workflows, coordination mechanisms, and allocation of resources. By streamlining arrangements and adopting a result oriented approach, we will take forward policies and key tasks more effectively.

Section 2 Reinforce Public Integrity as the Bedrock of Our Society

6.23 We will step up law enforcement efforts and continue to combat various types of corruption offences. We will spare no effort in investigating corruption and misconduct in public and private organisations with zero tolerance. We will deepen corruption prevention work, promote the better use of technology to strengthen internal supervision, refine power delegation, and upgrade operational management frameworks. Corruption prevention services will be provided for private organisations and non governmental organisations to enhance governance quality. In the meantime, we will reinforce integrity education, build a solid foundation for corruption prevention, and foster an integrity culture.

6.24 We will expand international and regional collaboration to showcase Hong Kong’s strengths. We will enhance the strategic function of the Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption and coordinate the establishment of a high-level regional anti corruption hub. We will deepen exchanges and cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime as well as anti corruption agencies worldwide. We will sign memoranda of understanding with anti corruption agencies of more countries and regions, delivering Hong Kong solutions in global anti corruption efforts and sharing the experience of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, so as to tell good stories of Hong Kong in fighting corruption.

Section 3 Strengthen the District Governance System

6.25 We will enhance the district governance structure with strengthened coordination. We will refine the high level coordination mechanism for the Steering Committee on District Governance and the Task Force on District Governance to coordinate the work of various bureaux and relevant departments on all fronts, with a view to proactively and efficiently addressing district governance issues of community concern, while ensuring the consistent and effective implementation of policy measures. We will also strengthen District Officers’ capabilities in discharging their duties as the top representatives of the HKSAR Government at the district level by enhancing their coordination and execution capabilities.

6.26 We will enhance the efficacy of district governance by bolstering the support and resource assurance mechanisms. We will deepen the collaboration of the “troika” of district governance, i.e. District Councils, Care Teams, and the “three district committees”²⁶, and strengthen the mechanism for reaching out to residents and collecting their views to address their concerns and problems, so as to uphold the ethos of “actively responding to the people’s aspirations”. In recruiting and grooming talent for district governance, we will adhere to the principle of selecting the best candidates who are both able and virtuous so as to build a well structured, diverse, and inclusive district governance team and talent pool.

Part 7 Strengthen the Institutional Safeguards for Effective Implementation of the Five Year Plan

7.1 We will strive to enhance governance efficacy of the HKSAR to ensure the effective implementation of Hong Kong’s Five Year Plan. By further refining our governance philosophy, adopting a more proactive and pragmatic approach, enhancing the coordination mechanism within the HKSAR Government, and strengthening collaboration across bureaux and departments, we will more effectively take forward and implement major works projects and policies, while enhancing policy continuity. We will better leverage the two pronged approach of “effective market” and “capable government”, while fully stimulating enthusiasm, initiative, and creativity from all walks of life in society to participate in and monitor the Five Year Plan, ensuring the effective implementation of various tasks thereunder.

7.2 To strengthen the implementation mechanism, we will establish a framework where “Five Year Plan leads, Policy Address implements, Budget supports, annual report gives accounts”, so as to advance each task in an orderly manner. We will also delineate division of labour and conduct dynamic monitoring, mid term assessment, as well as final reporting.

7.3 The Policy Address delivered by the Chief Executive each year will serve as an annual work plan for implementing the Five Year Plan. By adhering to the strategic directions and requirements laid down in the Five Year Plan, the annual Policy Address will set out key tasks as well as specific policy initiatives and projects, thereby translating medium and long term objectives into operable and assessable tasks broken down by phase. The implementation of the Five Year Plan will be monitored, assessed and checked regularly, with mid term adjustments to be made in light of actual circumstances.

7.4 The Budget will provide solid resource support for the implementation of the Five Year Plan and the annual Policy Address through various financial arrangements, public expenditures, and other arrangements facilitating the play of market forces. We will, on the principle of safeguarding the financial sustainability of the HKSAR Government, ensure sufficient funding support for strategic projects and sustained financial commitment in key areas.

7.5 The Chief Executive will report to the President of the People’s Republic of China and the Central Government on the implementation of the Five Year Plan in the context of the annual duty visit to review its progress of implementation. By comparing against the objectives and indicators set out in the Five Year Plan, we will be able to methodically assess our performance and contemplate improvements, so as to constantly strengthen the efficacy of the Five Year Plan.

Concluding Remarks

With the support of the Central Government, the HKSAR Government formulated the first Five Year Plan for Hong Kong in less than a year. The Five Year Plan is of monumental significance. Not only is it an action agenda for Hong Kong to better integrate into and serve the overall national development, but also the strategic plan gearing up Hong Kong to capitalise on the aggregate advantages arising from the national and international opportunities, as well as a sustained pathway to enhancing social well-being. It is the blueprint for Hong Kong’s economic and social development, a reform as well as a pivotal milestone for Hong Kong’s new journey “from stability to prosperity”.

Hong Kong’s Five Year Plan dovetails with national strategies, consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong’s existing strengths, strengthening emerging industries, and promoting the diversified development of industries, so as to provide more opportunities for our citizens, especially our young people. The Five Year Plan drives Hong Kong’s high-quality development and allows us to continuously improve people’s livelihood, taking on people’s ever growing needs for a better life as our fundamental objective.

We will stay committed to the “people-oriented” ethos, strive relentlessly to sustain economic development and enhance social well-being, so as to build a better Hong Kong!

²⁴The Chief Executive Counter-terrorism Steering Group is the first tier (top tier), which steers and formulates counter-terrorism policies and directions; the Secretary for Security Counter-terrorism Co-ordinating Group, as the second tier, coordinates cooperation of bureaux/departments on counter-terrorism matters; and seven interdepartmental working groups, as the third tier, follow up on specific studies and carry out counter-terrorism work.

²⁵It means through engaging local organisations with community networks and experience in building management, assisting old buildings in the district to jointly appoint a single property management company for collective management of the buildings, so as to share the management costs and obtain daily building management services at a more affordable rate, thereby improving the living environment.

²⁶It refers to the Area Committees, the District Fight Crime Committees, and the District Fire Safety Committees.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Chapter 22  Strengthen the Protection for People’s Livelihood

Section 1  Strengthen the Support for Disadvantaged Communities

5.41 We will continue to provide and enhance inclusive public services, including social welfare, healthcare, education and housing, etc., to offer basic protection to our citizens, with a view to relieving their family burden and improving their quality of life. We will progressively put in place multi-tiered social security to ensure the provision of an appropriate and dignified safety net for disadvantaged communities. In the meantime, we will empower those who can help themselves to encourage self reliance and continuous striving.

5.42 We will stay committed to the “people oriented” principle, under which we will step up our targeted poverty alleviation efforts and forge ahead in two key directions. First, an integration of macro level statistics and micro level care to provide different disadvantaged groups with focused support and responses that address their unique needs. Second, a shift from relying on the Government’s sole effort in poverty alleviation towards promoting tripartite collaboration among the Government, the business sector, and the community to consolidate diverse forces for a more steady and sustainable progress in targeted poverty alleviation.

Section 2  Targeted Response to Specific Needs

5.43 We will provide targeted support for persons with disabilities as well as their carers. We will promote the application of technology, including the continued implementation of the Innovation and Technology Fund for Application in Elderly and Rehabilitation Care, to enhance the quality of life of frail elderly persons and persons with disabilities while alleviating the pressure on care personnel and carers. Building on the existing care service and support systems, we will actively enhance capacity building on all fronts, including the provision of residential care homes, rehabilitation services, selective placement, and carer support, etc. We will also step up the promotion of a friendly workplace culture to encourage and support employment of persons with disabilities and their carers, thereby building a thriving disability inclusive society.

5.44 We will expand the School based After School Care Service Scheme launched by the Commission on Poverty (now renamed as the Commission on Targeted Poverty Alleviation) so as to unleash parents’ employment potential and enhance their household income. We will also set up additional Community Living Rooms to provide subdivided unit households with various facilities, along with referrals to other social welfare services, etc., to raise their living standard, broaden their interpersonal networks, and strengthen their sense of belonging to the community.

Section 3  Effective Consolidation of Resources

5.45 We will promote data driven proactive support and champion a shift in approach in the social welfare sector from “reactive response” towards “proactive identification and targeted support”. Subject to privacy protection, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and public confidence, we will explore the establishment of a “welfare information sharing e platform” to progressively consolidate relevant data scattered across different systems in various fields such as social welfare, healthcare, education, housing, and transportation, etc., so as to analyse and identify risk signals while expanding screening and outreach networks for timely detection of risk factors and support needs among individuals and families. The aim is to enhance the effectiveness of our proactive identification, outreach, and intervention efforts regarding high-risk cases, and strengthen our demand forecasting capabilities and resource deployment efficiency, thereby advancing the provision of services to the preventive stage as far as practicable to forestall accumulation of risks.

5.46 We will promote an institutionalised model of tripartite collaboration among the Government, the business sector, and the community in poverty alleviation. The Government will adopt a policy led approach and set up an efficient matching platform through which the business sector’s goodwill will be pooled together and matched with the community’s creativity to enable the delivery of more targeted support projects for groups in need. Under this model, the Government will identify targets for assistance and set up the regime; the business sector will provide resources in terms of funding, venues, talent, experience, technologies, etc.; while the community and welfare organisations will design innovative services and take charge of the actual implementation drawing on both their frontline insights and practical experience. Such joint efforts will progressively develop into steady, sustainable and scalable forces, thereby promoting the innovation and development of social welfare services.

Section 4 Safeguard Children’s Well-being

5.47 To continue to strengthen the child protection system, we will continuously enhance the handling and reporting mechanism for suspected child abuse cases to facilitate early identification and intervention while enhancing deterrence. We will also continue to strengthen professional support for child abuse victims and their families through Child Protection Support Service Teams. In the meantime, we will review in a timely manner and continuously enhance support and supervision for child care and related services, while also strengthening child protection related promotion, education, and training, to safeguard the well-being of children through a multipronged approach, thereby weaving a comprehensive and effective safety net for children.

5.48 We will strengthen family support services. In line with the “family focused” and “carer centric” principles, we will strive to bolster the support for working families in childbearing and expand community child care and after school care services. We will also promote the long term strategy of gradually transitioning family support services from “crisis response” towards “prevention and fostering family resilience”.

5.49 To strengthen child care services, we will continue to substantially increase the number of child care service places, while continuously reviewing and enhancing various child care services. In the meantime, through the School based After School Care Service Scheme, we will help alleviate the child care pressure on grassroots parents (in particular single parents), thereby fostering better parent child relationship.
 

Table 36 Strengthening Child Care Services

Increasing child care service places Set up additional aided standalone child care centres, with the target of gradually increasing 1 800 child care service places, i.e. from about 1 500 service places in 2025 to about 3 300 places in 2030.

Section 5 Deepen Collaboration and Exchange in Social Services with Mainland Counterparts

5.50 We will strengthen our collaboration with the Mainland. We will advance the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Social Service Co operation Projects, thereby deepening the integrated and concerted development of quality social welfare services in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. We will also support talent exchange and training between the social service sectors of the Mainland and Hong Kong (including Hong Kong social welfare organisations making effective use of the Dedicated Fund provided by the Government to arrange Mainland study visits for their staff) to promote professional exchange, practice based research, and experience sharing across various social welfare areas between Hong Kong and the Mainland. In the meantime, we will support social welfare organisations in Hong Kong to introduce from the Mainland new technologies as well as smart equipment applicable to social service settings while assisting our country’s products and services in going global.

Chapter 23 Enhance Labour Protection

Section 1 Increase Labour Supply

5.51 To harness I&T to enhance employment services, we will deploy tools such as AI to strengthen job matching, enhance push notification for employment information, and provide more personalised recommendations regarding job vacancies and vocational training. We will also organise thematic job fairs of varying scales and types to expedite the dissemination of employment information and improve the effectiveness of job matching. In the meantime, we will render support to key groups, including youths, women, older and middle aged persons, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities, etc., to reduce employment barriers, thereby promoting employment and unleashing the potential labour force.

5.52 We will import labour on an appropriate scale alongside efforts to unleash the local labour force. On the premise of protecting local workers, we will import labour in an orderly manner and on an appropriate scale in response to actual social and economic needs. We will closely monitor the changes in labour supply and demand, and dynamically adjust the type and number of workers to be imported. While maintaining stable co-operation with existing source countries of foreign domestic helpers, we will actively seek expansion of source countries, and admit foreign domestic carers with better elderly care skills, with a view to addressing the challenges posed by an ageing population and meeting the home care needs of the elderly.

Section 2 Enhance Labour Rights Protection

5.53 We will protect employment rights and foster harmonious labour relations. In response to socio economic development level and the needs arising therefrom, we will systematically review and enhance the labour legislation to align with the policy directions on population and encouraging childbirth, etc. in a timely manner. We will improve the legal framework by exploring and enacting new legislation applicable to new forms of employment to continuously strengthen labour protection. We will also follow the mechanism to review the statutory minimum wage rate annually to ensure that the pay rise for low paid workers can keep pace with inflation, so that they may share the fruits of economic growth when the economy performs well. We will enhance the consultation mechanism among employees, employers, and the Government to facilitate effective tripartite communication and forge consensus on labour related issues of common concern. In the meantime, we will promote an “employee oriented” culture in human resource management, fostering labour relations built on mutual trust and understanding.

5.54 We will deepen the culture of occupational safety and health by making better use of new technology. Through proactive application of new technology, we strive to enhance the effectiveness of management and regulation of occupational safety and health by exploring the use of AI to facilitate inspection and law enforcement. We will also promote smart handling of occupational safety and health information by introducing a smart management system to enhance the separation of enquiries and complaints, so as to accord priority to high-risk cases. Meanwhile, we will leverage data analytics to support risk based inspection and policy formulation. We will establish a one stop industry based occupational safety and health information platform to facilitate inter departmental collaboration and information sharing, thereby further deepening awareness and culture of occupational safety and health in society. Also, we will provide professional advice from the regulatory perspective regarding the R&D of technology products related to occupational safety and health, facilitating the introduction of such products with a view to improving the safety performance of the industry.

Chapter 24 Concerted Efforts to Build a Thriving Age friendly Society

Section 1 Foster a Sense of Security among the Elderly

5.55 To enhance elderly care service capacity, we will build more government funded community and residential care facilities for the elderly and progressively increase the number of vouchers under both the “Community Care Service Voucher Scheme for the Elderly” and the “Residential Care Service Voucher Scheme for the Elderly” in order to steadily raise the proportion of vouchers in the overall subsidised care services. In the meantime, we will, on a pilot basis, provide government built elderly welfare premises for self financed operation by the sector, while continuing to implement the Incentive Scheme to Encourage Provision of Residential Care Home for the Elderly Premises in New Private Developments. We will strive to promote the development of the elderly care services market and enhance the overall elderly care service capacity through public private collaboration.
 

Table 37 Enhancing Elderly Care Service Capacity

Additional places for subsidised long‑term care services for the elderly Provide 8 000 additional places for subsidised long‑term care services for the elderly, bringing the number of service places from around 69 500 in end‑2025 to around 77 500 in end‑2030.

5.56 We will promote cross-boundary elderly care. Seizing the development opportunities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, we will further enhance the support measures for cross-boundary elderly care to provide elderly people of Hong Kong with more choices and greater convenience in living and receiving care across the boundary, thereby fostering social and livelihood integration between the two places as well as the development of the elderly care industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. To this end, we will strengthen co-operation with Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in identifying more quality residential care homes for the elderly for joining the “Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong”, so as to expand the care facility network and service capacity of the scheme. We will make good use of Mainland’s facilitation policy measures for Hong Kong residents, and subsidise Hong Kong elderly people participating in the scheme to purchase the local “Basic Medical Insurance for Urban and Rural Residents” and the “Commercial Medical Insurance”, and disburse portable cash assistance to the elderly retiring across the boundary directly through remittance using Mainland banking network. To deepen exchanges and co-operation in elderly care, Guangdong and Hong Kong will leverage respective strengths to jointly advance personnel training, service enhancement, and market development.

5.57 We will strengthen the promotion of active ageing. To this end, we will consolidate existing resources and networks, step up the promotion of retirement planning, raise the awareness of healthy ageing, and promote the elderly’s invaluable contribution to society.

Section 2 Promote a Sense of Worthiness among the Elderly

5.58 We will promote the social integration of the elderly into the community. By encouraging the elderly to participate in social affairs, establishing mutual support networks and exchange platforms for the “young olds”, and forming elderly volunteer teams in the community, we will strive to promote mutual help and a sense of worthiness among the elderly so that they can achieve self fulfilment and play an active role in society.

5.59 We will support elderly employment by providing vocational training services specific to the needs of older persons, so as to enhance their employability in response to the needs of the labour market. In the meantime, through dedicated employment services and programmes for older and middle aged persons, we will encourage employers to provide on the job training and adopt elderly friendly employment practices to boost the employment of the healthy elderly.

5.60 We will strengthen and scale up the silver industry. We will encourage the introduction of more silver consumer products and development of more application scenarios in domestic, community, and institutional settings, while stimulating diverse consumer demands for silver tourism, leisure and culture. We will also promote the professional development and branding of the silver economy to foster quality silver consumption locally and facilitate overseas expansion of the sales network.

5.61 We will improve the standards of silver services. Through strengthening exchanges and collaboration between certification institutions in Hong Kong and those in our country, we will foster mutual recognition of qualifications and the “one inspection, two certificates” arrangement, thereby enabling silver products and services to access the Mainland market more easily while also tapping into overseas markets. We will strive to upgrade the existing certification standards to national standards, with a view to enhancing market competitiveness.

Chapter 25  Build a Green and Liveable City

Section 1  Realise Green Transformation

5.62 We will promote continuous optimisation of the energy mix and maintain the stability of electricity tariffs. Through efficient utilisation of clean energy transmission pathways and the country’s clean, low carbon, safe, and efficient new energy system, we will progressively increase the share of zero carbon energy in the local fuel mix of electricity generation to achieve the goal of ceasing the use of coal for daily electricity generation by 2035 and increase the share of zero carbon energy in the fuel mix of electricity generation to about 60% to 70%. With these efforts, we strive to strengthen energy security, help lower energy generation costs, and stabilise fluctuations in electricity tariffs, thereby supporting the sustainable and high-quality development of our city.

5.63 To continuously improve the energy efficiency of major energy users such as buildings, we will enhance the regime of energy efficiency standards for buildings and electrical products, and promote green, energy saving, and carbon reduction retrofits for new and existing buildings. Our goal is to reduce the electricity consumption of commercial buildings by 30% to 40% and that of residential buildings by 20% to 30% from the 2015 level by 2050, and to achieve half of the above targets by 2035.

5.64 We will promote the use of green transport. We will steadily promote vehicle electrification and the trial and application of new energy transport while developing safe and efficient supporting networks for charging and hydrogen filling, etc., thereby creating conditions for achieving zero vehicular emissions before 2050. We will also introduce Smart and Green Mass Transit Systems, with construction works of such systems in Kai Tak, East Kowloon, HSK, and the South Island Line (West) commencing from 2027 progressively. These systems can overcome previous technical constraints in constructing heavy rail, providing cost effective and convenient public transport systems with low carbon emissions.

5.65 To deepen the reform of the municipal solid waste management system, we strive to move away from reliance on landfill disposal for municipal solid waste by 2035, with a view to achieving “Zero Landfill”. This will contribute to reducing carbon emission and promoting the development of a circular economy, including the development of high-value added precious and rare metal recovery and refining industries, thereby establishing a waste material refining hub in Asia. We will enhance our recycling and waste to energy system by leveraging technology to advance waste sorting and resource utilisation, and building a digital recycling network, with a view to achieving waste to resources transformation, waste reduction, and harmless disposal. We will also expand producer responsibility schemes to raise recycling rates for recyclables, such as retired electric vehicle batteries and plastic bottles, thereby turning waste into resources and reducing reliance on raw materials.

5.66 We will develop green technologies and new energy, and establish a carbon trading hub. Through the Green Tech Fund, we will support the development of green technologies and promote the commercialisation of R&D outcomes, thereby increasing the supply of green technologies. The Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong will be implemented in an orderly manner to steadily promote a wider application of hydrogen in Hong Kong. In this regard, we will set out the lifecycle greenhouse gas emission values for green hydrogen and low carbon hydrogen, and provide support for the planning and development of hydrogen projects, investments in relevant infrastructure, and green finance arrangements, in order to enhance the mutual recognition and competitiveness of Hong Kong’s green and low carbon hydrogen in the global market. In the meantime, we will develop Hong Kong into a demonstration platform for green and low carbon hydrogen technologies to facilitate the export of technologies and products developed in both the Mainland and Hong Kong, and provide financing and professional services for green hydrogen technologies and products. We will also assist the country in implementing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on carbon credit and trading mechanism, and advancing the formulation of clear and strict international standards, thereby providing a reliable decarbonisation co-operation platform for overseas countries and enterprises.
 

Table 38 Proactive Decarbonisation and Green Transformation

1. Green transport Complete the construction of a ChaoJi charging demonstration station in Hong Kong in 2027. The number of fast chargers will increase to 4 000 in 2030 and is expected to further increase to around 10 000 in 2035, supporting around 500 000 electric vehicles. The target is to cease new registrations of fuel‑propelled private cars, including hybrid vehicles, in 2035 or earlier.

2. New energy Establish a certification system for green hydrogen and low‑carbon hydrogen standards that connects with the Mainland and the rest of the world in 2027 and promote its international application.

Section 2 Strengthen Ecological Protection

5.67 To continuously improve the quality of our ecological environment, we will carry on with our efforts to review and enhance management strategies of various ecological protected areas, covering key areas such as Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site designated under the Convention on Wetlands, country parks, as well as marine parks and marine reserves, etc., strengthening ecological conservation and enhancing biodiversity. We will also expand the network of terrestrial and marine protected areas in an orderly manner, and study the establishment of a coastal protection park at Tsim Bei Tsui, Lau Fau Shan, and Pak Nai to strengthen the conservation of the coastal ecosystem of Deep Bay.

5.68 To strengthen the protection of wild fauna and flora as well as endangered species, we will continue to enhance their protection and governance, rigorously implement the relevant international conventions, and regulate trade in endangered species. We will also review and enhance the relevant legislation to strengthen enforcement against smuggling and illegal trade in endangered species and protect cetaceans found in Hong Kong waters.

5.69 We will expand co-operation in ecological conservation. We will strengthen collaboration with relevant Mainland provinces and municipalities to jointly conserve cross-border ecology and migratory animals, including deepening ecological co-operation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, establishing a collaborative platform for public participation in biodiversity protection in the two places, and taking forward the development of the Shenzhen Wutong Mountain Hong Kong Robin’s Nest ecological corridor, with a view to enhancing ecological integration between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Through partnerships with the relevant Mainland provinces and municipalities, we will also enhance the protection of Chinese white dolphins in Guangdong and Hong Kong, strengthen the conservation of Shenzhen Bay (Deep Bay) wetlands, and advance coral conservation, while putting in place arrangements for rescue co-operation of large aquatic wild animals between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
 

Table 39 Continuous Improvement in Ecological Environment Quality

Implementing a management system of ecological protection red lines By 2030, maintain at least 40% of the total terrestrial area as terrestrial protected areas. By 2030, maintain at least 20% of the total marine area as marine protected areas and other effective area‑based conservation measures²³.

 
5.70 We will strengthen environmental protection in key areas to contribute to building a Beautiful China. By establishing a smart environmental monitoring system, we will improve law enforcement efficiency and environmental risk prevention and control, so as to fully realise precise, scientific, and law based pollution control, leading to reduction in both pollution and carbon emissions in a co-ordinated manner. We will continue to develop and introduce innovative technologies and facilities, such as AI and big data, etc., and further develop the Hong Kong Environmental Database, an online platform for environmental impact assessment and monitoring, so as to enhance pollution prevention and control as well as the effectiveness of environmental monitoring through more targeted efforts. The air quality monitoring network will be optimised to make it more targeted and to improve its real time performance and coverage . We will vigorously pursue the “Beautiful Bays” initiative, strengthen nearshore pollution prevention and shoreline remediation, and continuously improve the water quality and marine ecological environment of Victoria Harbour and nearshore waters.

²³It refers to areas outside protected areas that are considered important for in‑situ conservation of biodiversity.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Part 5 Enhance Social Well being and Refine the Social Protection Framework

5.1 The ultimate objective of governance lies in enhancing social well being. In the meantime, enhanced livelihood will stimulate market demand in society, energising market activities, propelling economic development. We will enhance our population strategies, with a view to promoting high-quality population development. To actively address the challenges arising from demographic changes, such as ageing population and declining birth rate, we will continue to pursue enhancements in various policy areas, including education and training, housing supply, labour and welfare, healthcare services, youth development, and child care support, etc. Co-ordinated efforts will be made to advance institutional improvement and service enhancement, so as to continuously strengthen the sense of fulfilment, happiness, and security in our community.

Chapter 18 Advance Quality Education

Section 1 Strengthen Future ready Education System

5.2 We will holistically enhance students’ AI literacy while strengthening teachers’ professional capacity. To nurture students’ innovation capabilities, we will systematically drive comprehensive educational innovation and promote the progressive integration of AI into learning, teaching, and assessment across various Key Learning Areas (including Physical Education, and Arts Education, etc.) and cross-disciplinary domains (such as STEAM education¹⁸). We will also advance school curriculum development to keep pace with the times, fostering students’ spirit of “Technology for Good” with humanistic qualities.

5.3 We will foster cross-sectoral collaboration to forge a digital education ecosystem. By promoting digital education in primary and secondary schools, we will strengthen students’ learning in mathematics, science, and technology, laying a solid foundation for their further studies in I&T, thereby nurturing innovative talent for the future. We will promote the digitalisation in kindergarten education administration, enhance the overall effectiveness of schools in leveraging I&T (such as AI), and create more space for teachers to cultivate children’s curiosity, creativity, and exploratory spirit. We will enhance the compilation of teaching materials and the review mechanism for textbooks, and adopt digital technologies to strengthen support for learning and teaching.

5.4 We will deepen patriotic education, national education, national security education, and values education, and integrate them into daily teaching, with a view to nurturing a new generation with both virtue and ability, an affection for our country and Hong Kong, cultural confidence, proper values, and a global perspective. We will strengthen biliterate and trilingual education and the learning of other languages to promote cross-cultural exchanges, supporting Hong Kong’s role as an East-meets-West centre for international arts and cultural exchange and a base for fostering cultural exchanges between our country and the rest of the world. We will make full use of the resources in the Mainland to advance patriotic education for young people and take forward the establishment of Patriotic Education Bases for Hong Kong and Macao Youth in an orderly manner. We will strengthen values education and ground students in Chinese culture, guiding them to take an interest in the well-being of mankind as a whole, with a view to cultivating among them a stronger sense of mission and responsibility towards “building a community with a shared future for mankind”.

5.5 We will broaden the international horizons of Hong Kong students by driving post secondary institutions to actively organise more exchange activities, and making good use of various measures, such as the Funding Scheme for Chinese Mainland and Global Engagement and Student Learning Experience, to broaden the international horizons of Hong Kong students, enhance cross-cultural exchange on campus, and foster a diverse and inclusive international learning environment, while encouraging students to explore development opportunities both at home and abroad.

Section 2 Enhance the Allocation of Education Resources

5.6 We will enhance the allocation mechanism for education resources to tie in with demographic changes, enhance the dynamic adjustment of resources for basic education and their re-allocation to address surpluses and shortfalls, and facilitate further expansion and development of quality primary and secondary schools. We will also step up efforts to encourage and support school sponsoring bodies to merge quality primary and secondary schools with potential, and expedite resource consolidation for schools of a smaller scale, resulting in schools of larger scale, higher quality, and higher efficiency as their respective strengths and missions aggregate, thus achieving synergy.

5.7 We will strengthen the cultivation of teachers’ morality and ethics, refine the training framework for teachers, enhance their professionalism and competencies, and promote the spirit of outstanding educators. We will enhance the teacher registration mechanism and set out specific training requirements and targets. In the meantime, we will also broaden the scope of the training mechanism and training modes while deepening co-operation with the Mainland.

5.8 We will promote capacity expansion and quality enhancement of Hong Kong’s post-secondary education, so as to continuously consolidate and develop the unique advantages of Hong Kong’s highly internationalised and diversified education system under “one country, two systems”, advancing the high quality development of education. In line with the strategy of invigorating the country through science and education, we will step up efforts in developing basic and emerging disciplines, as well as interdisciplinary studies, and nurturing top-notch talent. We will deepen international exchanges and co-operation, promote collaboration between Hong Kong’s institutions and academic and research institutions in the Mainland and overseas, as well as encourage local institutions to organise large-scale international events in Hong Kong, so as to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status in the international education arena. We will foster the mutual empowerment between I&T and talent cultivation to promote the integrated development of education, technology, and talent, with a view to better serving our country’s endeavour to develop into a leading country in education.

Section 3 Nurture Cross-functional and Multi-skilled Talent

5.9 We will build a platform for the integration of industry and education to advance the high-quality development of vocational and professional education and training. We will foster global exchanges and collaboration across the industry and academia sectors by encouraging institutions to upgrade into universities of applied sciences, and substantially increasing the provision of applied degree programmes. By encouraging universities of applied sciences to offer programmes and conduct research projects in collaboration with the institutions in the Mainland and overseas, and adopting advanced modes of teaching for vocational and professional education and training, we will enhance the overall quality and recognition of our universities of applied sciences.

5.10 We will strengthen continuing vocational skills training to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of our workforce. We will enhance the depth and breadth of local continuing vocational skills training, and seek capacity expansion and quality enhancement in light of future trends in the application of skills and I&T, with a view to developing a high-quality, progressively-paced, and personalised skill-based training system for local workers. The Employees Retraining Board will be upgraded and become the “Upskill Hong Kong”, which will foster closer communication and stronger ties with enterprises, thus facilitating its timely apprehension of and response to prevailing and future trends in skills demand and manpower requirements of various sectors amid social developments, providing multi-level opportunities of upskilling and continuous education through diversified channels for the entire workforce.

Chapter 19 Foster the Development of Young People, Women, Families, and a Harmonious Society

Section 1 Enhance Youth Development Opportunities

5.11 We will develop diversified platforms for exchange and practical experience to broaden the horizons of young people. Building on the Youth Development Blueprint, we will step up our focus on young people’s education, employment, entrepreneurship, and home ownership. We will strive to help them overcome practical difficulties while providing them with broader platforms and more opportunities to grow and thrive. We will strive to nurture a new generation of young people with an affection for our country and Hong Kong, empowering them with a global perspective as well as an ambitious and positive mindset. Leveraging Mainland resources, we will organise a wide variety of in-depth youth exchange activities to the Mainland, passing on the spirit of loving our country and Hong Kong. We will support young people in better seizing opportunities arising from national development, with a focus on nurturing talent who can serve the needs of our country and leverage the strengths of Hong Kong. We will develop the Youth Development Summit as a flagship event to advance international youth exchange and collaboration, harnessing the power of young people to tell good stories of our country and Hong Kong.

5.12 We will strive to create a conducive environment for young people to fully realise their talents. We will widen the scope of the Young Talent Training Programme to more industry sectors, aiming to nurture quality young talent for more key areas under the development plans of our country and Hong Kong. Through a wide array of youth programmes and activities, we endeavour to holistically cultivate the diverse talents of young people, and offer them more opportunities to explore, including participation in exchanges regarding public affairs, science, arts, and sports, thereby unleashing their potential and enhancing the effectiveness of talent development.

Section 2 Support Young People in Pursuing Their Dreams

5.13 We strive to foster better development for our young people through strengthening collaboration among the Government, the business sector, and the community. We will provide young people with more internship and exchange opportunities to sharpen their competitive edge in both local and international job markets. We will also enhance the education and employment prospects for young people of ethnic minority through internship opportunities, language education, and support at district level.

5.14 We will foster youth entrepreneurship with support measures such as funding and incubation services, with a view to transforming youth innovation and creativity into new impetus for economic development. We will better leverage the one-stop platform that is the Alliance of Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurial Bases in the Greater Bay Area to provide holistic support for our young people’s entrepreneurial endeavours.

5.15 We will strengthen support for youth employment. We will enhance youth employment support services, monitor the impact of technology application on the labour market for young people, and assist young people (fresh graduates in particular) in securing on-the-job training opportunities and work experience, thereby enhancing their employability.

Section 3 Empower Women to Realise Their Potential

5.16 We are committed to creating an environment conducive to driving women’s development, protecting their rights, and promoting their well-being. We strive to empower women across all roles, social positions, and life stages so that they can realise their multifaceted potential amid Hong Kong’s high-quality development.

Section 4 Foster Family Harmony and a Culture of Social Cohesion

5.17 We will advocate good family virtues, strengthen family bonds, education, and traditions, and promote good family values, thereby consolidating the family as the cornerstone of social harmony.

5.18 We will facilitate communication and development with and among the rural communities. We will reinforce the role of Heung Yee Kuk and clansmen associations as a key force dedicated to the country and Hong Kong and promote the spirit of loving the hometown, with a view to fostering mainstream values which are characterised by patriotism as well as affection for Hong Kong and in conformity with the principle of “one country, two systems”.

5.19 We encourage religious communities in Hong Kong to sustain their efforts in fostering social harmony and inclusion, and take part in the provision of educational, medical, and welfare services. With the concerted efforts of all walks of life, we will strive to create an equal and caring society characterised by diversity and inclusiveness. We will enhance the support for ethnic minorities with a view to increasing their understanding of the development of our country and striving for the betterment of Hong Kong together.

Chapter 20 Deepen Healthcare System Reform

Section 1 Advance the High-quality Development of Primary Healthcare

5.20 We will develop a sustainable governance system for primary healthcare¹⁹. To strengthen legal protection in the healthcare sector, we will empower the Primary Healthcare Commission through legislation to establish multi-disciplinary, evidence-based, co-ordinated, and coherent service and referral standards. We will also set up a statutory register of primary healthcare service providers to enhance service quality.

5.21 We will develop the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network and the District Health Network in a co-ordinated manner, expanding service coverage to the elderly, women, and newborn infants, strengthening multi-disciplinary collaboration, and connecting primary healthcare with secondary²⁰ and tertiary²¹ healthcare services. We will strive to substantially complete the establishment of District Health Centres in all 18 districts across Hong Kong within five years, and strengthen community support for mental health and psychological well-being. By leveraging the District Health Network, we will promote personalised Life Course Preventive Care Plan built on a family medicine model, providing citizens across different life stages with screening for chronic diseases and cancers as well as health advice, with a view to actualising early prevention, early identification, and early management.
 

Table 32 Enhancing Primary Healthcare Services

1. Enhancing the accessibility of primary healthcare services Within five years, further enhance the accessibility of primary healthcare service, bringing the cumulative membership of District Health Centres to one million, including 700 000 members receiving services under the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network.

2. Strengthening public-private collaboration In line with the Primary Healthcare Blueprint, enhance the family doctor system across both the public and private sectors, expand the list of primary healthcare service providers, reinforce the bi-directional referral mechanism, and enhance the co-ordination between community-based primary healthcare and hospital services.

3. Increasing resource allocation Steadily increase government resource allocation to primary healthcare programmes, with an estimated rise of about 30% from the current level by 2030-31, to promote systematic preventive care through a life-course approach.

 
Section 2 Enhance the Resilience of Hong Kong’s Healthcare Services

5.22 We will deepen public healthcare reform. In the interest of the public, we will reform the subsidisation structure of public healthcare services with greater efforts, as well as to enhance the protection for “poor, acute, serious, critical” patients on all fronts. We will strive to make the healthcare system more sustainable to better cope with an ageing society, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and the development of innovative drugs and medical devices, thereby strengthening the role of the public healthcare system as a safety net for all. Under the principles of “the Government’s overall commitment will not be lessened” and sustainability of subsidisation, we will continue to implement the healthcare service reform.

5.23 We will enhance the quality and efficiency of private healthcare services. We will implement the statutory premises-based regulatory regime under the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance to ensure the facility safety and service quality of private hospitals, day procedure centres and clinics as well as to enhance their price transparency, thereby protecting patients’ safety and rights. We will also promote the integration of private healthcare data, the standardisation of the scope of healthcare services and chargeable items, and the development of evidence-based clinical guidelines as well as quality and efficiency standards, with a view to enhancing overall service quality and efficiency.

5.24 We will promote comprehensive, high-quality, and high-standard development of Chinese medicine. By inheriting the wisdom of Chinese medicine and leveraging our country’s development experience and resources, we will make good use of Chinese medicine to provide Hong Kong citizens with higher quality and more comprehensive healthcare services for better health outcomes.

5.25 We will advance the development of healthcare infrastructure. The public hospital development plan has been rolled out progressively to raise the overall healthcare capacity and quality. We will press full steam ahead with the works projects²² under the First Hospital Development Plan, which upon completion will increase the total number of public hospital beds under the Hospital Authority to about 35 000 in 2031, and that of operating theatres to about 360. We are taking forward the eHealth+ development plan to develop a digital health network that covers the whole city and connects with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. We will develop new functions and expand the scope of services, integrate all government subsidised health programmes, and transform the eHealth App into an integrated health tool for citizens.

5.26 We will advance the development of smart hospitals. Following the two major strategic directions of “Provide Smart Care” and “Develop Smart Hospitals”, we will leverage digitalisation, the use of data, and AI to holistically advance the digital transformation of public hospitals in five key areas, namely “smart care”, “smart hospital management”, “smart hospital support”, “smart staff”, and “smart facilities and infrastructure”.

5.27 We will enhance the development of healthcare professionals. Through the systematic projection of healthcare manpower, we will strive to strengthen the training of local healthcare professionals and the strategies for talent attraction, and actively advance the relevant infrastructure development. We will promote exchanges between local and Mainland healthcare professionals and facilitate the alignment of healthcare professionals training in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area with international standards, thereby further fostering the interactions and development of healthcare professionals in Hong Kong and the Mainland.

Section 3 Concerted Efforts to Build a Healthy and Vibrant Hong Kong

5.28 We will strengthen our disease prevention and control system and smart anti-epidemic measures. We will comprehensively enhance the multi-point triggered monitoring and early warning system for communicable diseases as well as our emergency response capacity, while continuously optimising the disease prevention and control system to prevent the importation of cases. We will also strengthen manpower training and the review of our vaccination strategy, alongside the establishment of a scientific, precise, and holistic disease prevention and control system, so as to consolidate frontline defence against communicable diseases. We will participate actively in the World Health Organization’s laboratory networks in promoting R&D as well as clinical trial of vaccines, supporting the translation of R&D outcomes. In the meantime, we will advance the digital intelligence transformation of the communicable disease prevention and control system, focusing on building an “integrated epidemic management system” with an emergency response function to enable accurate risk assessment. Before proceeding with the planned long term development of Hetao, we will continue to fully utilise the temporary structures and facilities of the Central Government Aided Emergency Hospital to provide day-to-day healthcare services.

5.29 We will deepen joint prevention and control. We will consolidate the co-operation mechanism for epidemic notification and joint prevention and control between Hong Kong and the Mainland (in particular other Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area cities) and make it a normal practice. We will also deepen information sharing, technological collaboration, and talent training with Mainland and overseas disease control institutions. All these will improve the quality of collective efforts in early warning and risk assessment.

5.30 We will strive to raise public health awareness and build a smoke-free city. We will fully implement the Life course Health Promotion Strategy and the Action Plan on Weight Management while commencing a new round of territory-wide Health Behaviour Survey in parallel to improve the life-course health monitoring system. By leveraging big data integration and analytics, we aim to deliver evidence-driven insights to inform healthcare policy formulation and resource allocation so as to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases at source. We will bring home the messages on healthy eating, regular physical activity, and mental health to the education and work environment to guide the public towards a healthy lifestyle. We will also strengthen tobacco control measures to build a smoke-free city.

5.31 We will participate actively in international healthcare affairs. We will advance international co-operation on the health front through active participation in international healthcare conferences, as well as the deliberation and formulation of international standards and specifications, etc, while making ongoing efforts to deepen health exchange and co-operation with various regions. We will host major international healthcare events such as the Asia Summit on Global Health, building a high-level international exchange platform to play a more important role in global health governance and make positive contribution to enhancing the health and well-being of mankind.

Chapter 21 Enhance and Diversify the Housing System

Section 1 Strive to Resolve the Housing Issue

5.32 We will eradicate substandard subdivided units in an orderly manner to safeguard the basic housing needs of the grassroots. By implementing systematic housing policies and significantly increasing public housing supply through continuously enhancing quantity, speed, efficiency, and quality (including the completion of approximately 30 000 Light Public Housing units), we will have laid down a solid foundation for expediting public housing allocation to the grassroots, such that they may be caught by the public housing safety net the soonest. We are pressing ahead with the Basic Housing Unit regime to ensure that subdivided units in residential buildings are in compliance with the statutory requirements on safety, fire protection, and hygiene, etc.
 

Table 33 Eradicating Substandard Subdivided Units in an Orderly Manner

Resolving the issue of substandard subdivided units Target to resolve the issue of substandard subdivided units in residential buildings by 2030, safeguarding the life and property of residents.

5.33 We will substantially increase public housing supply and take forward the Long Term Housing Strategy on all fronts. We will update the long term housing demand projection annually and formulate a rolling 10-year housing supply target in light of social, economic, and market changes. In the next decade, housing supply will be planned with a distribution of 40% for public rental housing (PRH) units, 30% for subsidised sale flats, and 30% for private residential properties. We remain committed to refining policy arrangements along three key directions, namely adhering to the “supply-led” principle, ensuring the rational use of PRH resources while encouraging upward mobility, and enhancing the housing ladder to promote home ownership among young people. Through these efforts, we strive to establish a new paradigm of sustainable, multi-strata housing supply.

5.34 We will continue to take forward the Light Public Housing initiative in an orderly manner as a groundbreaking and innovative type of temporary housing to address the pressing needs of residents, improving their living environment and quality. Through the extensive use of the Modular Integrated Construction approach and the adoption of innovative construction technologies to expedite construction, as well as the conversion of school premises, the remaining small number of units will be completed in 2027 to achieve the target of providing 30 000 Light Public Housing units, such that grassroots families waiting for traditional PRH can move into Light Public Housing with an improved living environment at a lower rent than that of traditional PRH, moving out of inadequate housing the soonest.
 

Table 34 Substantially Increasing Public Housing Supply

1. Increasing Public Housing Production Taking into account Light Public Housing, the total public housing production in Hong Kong will reach around 196 000 units in the coming five years (i.e. from 2026-27 to 2030-31).

2. Shortening the composite waiting time With the persistent increase in the total public housing production, the Composite Waiting Time for Subsidised Rental Housing will reduce to 4.5 years in 2026-27, and is expected to further reduce to less than four years in 2030-31.

 
5.35 We will continue to enhance the housing ladder to enable those of different income groups to achieve home ownership. We will continue to increase the supply of subsidised sale flats while refining sale and resale arrangements. We will also continue to pursue policy innovation and optimisation in relation to the housing ladder, so as to establish a multi-layered and diversified housing supply system. These measures will assist young people in achieving home ownership, support PRH residents and subsidised sale flat owners in moving up the housing ladder, and expedite the turnover of housing resources, thereby fundamentally strengthening Hong Kong’s housing system and housing ladder.

5.36 In planning public housing units for completion over the next decade, the internal floor area of these units will be progressively enhanced and the proportion of larger units for newly-built subsidised sale flats will also be increased. In the meantime, the design of subsidised sale flats will be reviewed so as to cater for the lifestyle of the younger generation.

5.37 We will drive the development and application of construction technologies to enhance the speed and quality in housing production. We will actively promote the application of smart construction technologies such as Modular Integrated Construction with a view to advancing by two years the adoption of Modular Integrated Construction in not less than half of the public housing projects scheduled for completion in the five-year period of 2026-27 to 2030-31. In the long run, the second generation of Modular Integrated Construction or its further refined and developed new versions will be adopted at the planning and design stage in all new Modular Integrated Construction public housing projects to further boost the efficiency of housing production. We will strengthen collaboration among the Government, the industry, academia, and research institutions, so as to enhance the construction technology innovation platform, with a view to transforming public housing projects into a “housing innovation and technology incubation hub”. We will also promote integration into the innovation and industry chains of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and drive the synergised development of areas such as innovative housing technologies, smart construction, resource conservation, low carbon and emission reduction, and housing safety, etc.

Section 2 Enhance the Use of Housing Resources

5.38 We will sustain efforts to create land and build up the land reserve. To meet the socio economic development needs of society, we will take the lead in supplying land. The 10 year formation forecast of “spade-ready sites” will be updated annually to enhance predictability and transparency in land supply. Through the annual Land Sale List and co-ordinating land supply sources such as railway property developments and the Urban Renewal Authority’s projects, land will be disposed in an orderly manner to facilitate the steady and healthy development of the property market. We will continue to introduce innovative land development models to further incentivise development and channel private capital to participate actively in strategic land and comprehensive community development projects, thereby driving the co-ordinated development of industries and high quality residential neighbourhoods.
 

Table 35 Sustained Efforts in Land Creation

Sustained efforts in land creation, building up the land reserve In the next 10 years (i.e. 2027-28 to 2036-37), the estimated output of “spade-ready sites” is about 2 500 hectares, among which about 1 400 hectares would be ready in the next five years (i.e. 2027-28 to 2031-32).

5.39 We will regenerate old districts with a new mindset. We will use land in new development areas to support the redevelopment of old districts to overcome the bottleneck of saturated infrastructure capacity that makes redeveloping old districts difficult, including reserving sites in the NDAs of the Northern Metropolis such that the Urban Renewal Authority can offer a new “Flat-for-Flat” arrangement. We will ease restrictions for the Urban Renewal Authority to take on redevelopment projects and review the “Seven-year Rule” compensation arrangement. In the next five years, the Urban Renewal Authority will commit at least around $40 billion for urban renewal initiatives. To encourage the market to participate actively in the regeneration of old districts, we will introduce policy innovations by suitably increasing the plot ratio of private redevelopment projects on a pilot basis and implementing cross-district transfer of plot ratio. When implementing redevelopment projects, the regeneration of old districts will be integrated with environmental enhancement and regional development instead of following the “demolish and rebuild” approach for standalone building blocks, which will in turn reshape urban spaces, enhance community functions, improve transport connectivity, and enhance greening and public spaces (including waterfront areas), thereby transforming old districts into new communities that are smart and green, meeting modern living standards.

5.40 We will enhance the safeguarding mechanisms and monitoring practices for PRH to ensure the efficient use of public housing resources. Multi-pronged measures, such as optimising allocation of PRH and facilitating transition to subsidised home ownership, etc, will be implemented to encourage upward mobility and home ownership of PRH residents who have the means, thereby increasing the turnover rate of units, benefiting more families in need. We will apply information technology and data analysis to enhance detection of and combating abuses of PRH, with a view to expediting flat recovery for allocation to those who have been waiting.

¹⁸That is Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics education.

¹⁹Primary healthcare is the first tier of the healthcare system, serving as the first point of contact for individuals and families in continuing healthcare process.

²⁰Secondary healthcare services include acute and convalescent in-patient care, day surgery, specialist out-patient, and Accident and Emergency services.

²¹Tertiary healthcare refers to highly complex and costly hospital care, usually with the application of advanced technology and multi-disciplinary specialised expertise. Tertiary healthcare services are usually required by patients with complicated but relatively less common diseases, or those suffering from catastrophic injuries or illnesses.

²²Projects expected to be completed between 2026 and 2030 include the redevelopment of Kwai Chung Hospital, the new Kai Tak Hospital, the redevelopment of Grantham Hospital (phase 1), the redevelopment of Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital, the expansion of Lai King Building in Princess Margaret Hospital, the redevelopment of Prince of Wales Hospital, phase 2 (stage 1), the expansion of United Christian Hospital, the redevelopment of Kwong Wah Hospital, and the redevelopment of Shek Kip Mei Health Centre. Two other projects, namely the expansion of North District Hospital and the development of Health Integrated Building at On Sau Road, Kwun Tong, are expected to be completed in 2031 and 2032 respectively.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region