NM boost among six key areas in blueprint consultation

Six key topics have been highlighted in the public consultation document for the SAR’s first five-year plan for public discussion. One of them is to speed up the development of Northern Metropolis. In the document, the government said the blueprint should be “infrastructure-led” and “industry-driven.” “Through the complementary interplay of Northern Metropolis development, urban renewal, transport facilities, and smart city construction, it will promote the coordinated development of industries, housing, leisure, and public services, thereby building a more vibrant, smart, and liveable city,” the document wrote. The government said the Northern Metropolis can provide a vast area of land for comprehensive planning, and enhance the city’s competitiveness through cooperation with the Greater Bay Area. To accelerate its development, the government plans to boost land development efficiency and speed up the release of land through diverse modes. The government added that a university town would serve as a key engine for Northern Metropolis development, while innovation technology would drive industrial development. The area is expected to provide more than 70,000 homes and a million square metres of economic floor space in the coming five years, with enhanced connectivity supported by railway projects. Another topic in the city's first five-year plan is innovation, technology and industrial development, with accelerating the development of Hong Kong as an international I&T centre a key policy direction. It includes deepening the implementation of the AI+ Initiative and speed up the construction of the Hetao Hong Kong Park and San Tin Technopole. The government said the SAR should leverage its strengths to drive innovation and restructuring of traditional industries. “By doing so, Hong Kong will be able to achieve diversified development, and thus contribute to the country’s realisation of high-level self-reliance in science and technology and establishment of a new development paradigm.” On improving people’s livelihoods, the document covered various areas including education, healthcare, housing and welfare, saying the blueprint would address challenges of manpower supply and the diversification of economic and social needs. Among the proposals highlighted are enhancing the primary healthcare system, eradicating substandard sub-divided units in an orderly manner and strengthening community and residential care for the elderly. The government added that it would promote integrated development of culture, sports and tourism, as well as green living. Edited by Edmond Fong