Public consultation on HK five-year plan by June

Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday that the government aims to publish a consultation document for Hong Kong’s first five-year plan before the end of this quarter. The blueprint, due to be finalised this year, will provide the city with forward-looking, strategic and feasible guidance for its future development, he said. Lee added that the authorities will conduct research and collect public opinions before publishing the five-year plan by the end of this year. “We have referred to the mainland’s experience in formulating five-year plans – it usually takes 18 months to two years for preliminary research. This is the first time for Hong Kong to draft a five-year plan, the timeline is tight and we are facing a heavy workload in research,” he said. “Therefore, the government and the Legislative Council have established a synergistic mechanism to study a number of development topics under the executive-led principle, and gather public opinions after the government publishes the public consultation document.” Lee said the five-year blueprint will address major livelihood and development issues in the city, including the economy, investment, land, housing, infrastructure, healthcare, education and welfare. He added that the blueprint will bring opportunities and economic benefits while consolidating the SAR’s position as an international financial, shipping, trade and innovation centre. The plan, he said, will enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness and help the city integrate into the nation's development process. Edited by Thomas McAlinden