Xia Baolong Identifies Northern Metropolis as Hong Kong's New Growth Engine

Central Information

(Central News Agency reporter Zhang Qian, Hong Kong, 17th) Xia Baolong, Beijing's senior official responsible for Hong Kong affairs, departed Hong Kong today. Chief Executive John Lee stated that during his two-day stay, Xia listened to Hong Kong's progress report on formulating its first 'Five-Year Plan'; Xia also emphasized that the Northern Metropolis is a crucial new engine for Hong Kong's development.

Xia Baolong, Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, arrived in Hong Kong yesterday to conduct research on the 'Five-Year Plan' and the Northern Metropolis, accompanied throughout by Chief Executive John Lee. Xia concluded his visit and left Hong Kong in the evening.

After bidding farewell to Xia, John Lee told the media that Xia gave Hong Kong four affirmations: recognition of Hong Kong's determination and progress in formulating the 'Five-Year Plan', recognition of efforts in safeguarding national security, recognition of economic development, and recognition of innovation and technological construction.

Xia also stated that the Northern Metropolis is a key focus and an important new engine for Hong Kong's development, expressing support for the government's proposed construction goals.

John Lee said Xia listened to the Hong Kong government's work report on formulating the 'Five-Year Plan'.

Lee added that the 'Five-Year Plan' should serve as a directional, strategic, and actionable guiding document. Each year, the government's policy address will align with and respond to the requirements and directions of the 'Five-Year Plan', setting goals and reporting progress to fulfill its overall objectives.

The Hong Kong government is currently formulating its first comprehensive 'Five-Year Plan' covering economic and social development, designed to align with China's national '15th Five-Year Plan'.

On the 15th, the Hong Kong government released a public consultation document for the 2026–2030 'Five-Year Plan', consisting of six major sections: development of the Northern Metropolis; economy, finance, and trade; innovation, technology, and industrial development; livelihood and society; regional cooperation; and cultural, sports, and tourism development.

The Northern Metropolis refers to large-scale development in Hong Kong's New Territories North, with key projects including the Hetao Innovation Park, San Tin Tech City, University Town, data park, and logistics hub. It is currently Hong Kong's most significant development initiative. (Editor: Chen Kaiyu) 1150617