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The Northern Metropolis development does not merely represent another infrastructure project, but a defining moment in the city’s economic future and its integration into national development.
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For the government – and indeed, for the mainland – accelerating the vision has become the paramount priority.
As 2025 draws to a close, the Development Bureau has taken decisive action. The open tender for the pilot area in Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area marks a watershed moment – one accompanied by the establishment of a government-owned industry park company designed to harness market forces through public-private partnerships.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu deserves credit for dedicating substantial policy attention to this initiative, committing an entire chapter in the policy address to accelerating Northern Metropolis development.
By removing bureaucratic barriers and streamlining administrative workflows, the government has demonstrated that it understands a fundamental truth: speed matters in today’s competitive regional landscape.
A new model for development
The industry-driven model underlying the development strategy is particularly astute. The establishment of Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park Company served as a concrete step toward bringing in industries and major projects.
To better leverage market forces to expedite the Northern Metropolis development, an innovative and diversified plan has been adopted as Hung Shui Kiu is the first pilot area under the large-scale land disposal model to facilitate investments from different backgrounds to form consortiums and alleviate the cash flow pressure of developers.
Leading technology companies have options, and Hong Kong must demonstrate it can move with the flexibility, openness and speed that these firms demand.
Beyond development: redefining Hong Kong’s regional role
The Northern Metropolis will encompass roughly one-third of Hong Kong’s land area and population – a proportion that underscores its centrality to the city’s future.
The economic dividends – jobs, productivity gains and new value creation – will ripple through every sector of our economy.
As an important engine for the future devel transformation of industries, Northern Metropolis will be a new platform for coordinated development with other cities in the Greater Bay Area. It will cement Hong Kong’s position as the vital connector between the mainland and global markets.
It will define not just a development project, but Hong Kong’s relevance in the decades to come.
