HK five-year plan 'aimed at growth and serving nation'

Chief Executive John Lee said on Thursday that Hong Kong’s first five-year plan aims to seize opportunities and support national development. He made the remarks in a speech at a National Day reception at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, following a flag-raising ceremony in Golden Bauhinia Square. “Over the past 77 years, the Chinese nation has achieved a historic leap – from standing up, to growing prosperous and then to becoming strong,” Lee said. “Today, China has become the world’s largest manufacturing nation, the largest trader in goods, and the largest producer of scientific research output, and it plays a pivotal role in international affairs.” Lee also said this is the first National Day since the release of Hong Kong’s first five-year plan, making it particularly significant for the city. “Formulating the five-year plan is not merely about setting out a series of policy measures – it is strategic planning that builds on the unique advantages of ‘One Country, Two Systems’, keeps pace with the times, and seizes national development opportunities,” he said. “Why do we need a five-year plan, and why now? The answer is straightforward: we must grasp the enormous opportunities brought by national development as quickly as possible, create more development outcomes and benefit our residents.” In a video played at the reception, the Hong Kong SAR’s first astronaut, Lai Ka-ying, also sent her National Day greetings. Lai said she was excited and proud to be celebrating National Day at the Tiangong space station. “Taking part in the national manned space mission has given me a profound sense of the nation’s soaring strength,” she said. “Every piece of precision equipment we operate here, and every scientific experiment we carry out, embodies the pride of ‘Made in China’ and ‘Created in China’. “I’m deeply grateful for the nation’s care towards Hong Kong and Macao, and I treasure this opportunity.” Edited by Robert Kemp

2026-10-01 11:06:00