Taking part in national development an opportunity: FS

Financial Secretary Paul Chan on Sunday said participating in the development of the country is not only Hong Kong's mission and responsibility, but also a huge opportunity for the city. Writing on his weekly blog, Chan said under the leadership of the Chief Executive, preparatory groups set up by various bureaux had now been transformed into formulation teams to prepare for Hong Kong's first five-year plan which would be completed within this year. "Working under a clear common goal, the bureaux collaborate and coordinated with each other to formulate comprehensive action plans," he wrote. "Throughout this process, we must adhere to the combination of a promising government and an efficient market, break away conventional thinking, embrace innovation and reform, and drive progress with a positive and pragmatic attitude." The finance chief also noted the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan points out Hong Kong's advantages can be further leveraged in the next five years. The plan also sets out clear guidelines for supporting Hong Kong to consolidate and enhance its competitiveness, and better integrate into and contribute to the country's development, he wrote. As an SAR of the country, Chan said Hong Kong must continue to learn from the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan. By learning from the plan, he said Hong Kong would be able to unleash greater growth potential by combining its own characteristics, including the institutional advantages of "One Country, Two Systems," the common law system, as well as the city's position as an international platform and financial hub. Edited by Tony Sabine