15th Five-Year Plan offers clear blueprint for a brighter future in HK: John Lee

China's 15th Five-Year Plan includes crucial strategic provisions for Hong Kong's development, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu stated on Tuesday during the second seminar promoting the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Attendees of the plenary session included a diverse group of political and community leaders from the city, such as Hong Kong deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC), representatives from various clan associations, and former Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen.

In his remarks, Lee expressed gratitude for the nation's support, especially for permitting the publicity delegation to provide in-depth insights on the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session.

Better future under the 15th Five-Year Plan: Lee

Lee highlighted the significance of the Fourth Plenary Session, viewing it as a successful conclusion to the 14th Five-Year Plan and a critical moment for planning the 15th Five-Year Plan.

Reflecting on the 14th Five-Year Plan, Lee noted the nation achieved remarkable accomplishments in economic strength, technological advancement and overall national power amid a complex international environment and the challenges posed by the global pandemic.

With the nation's support and local efforts, Lee indicated that Hong Kong has also achieved top global rankings: third in finance and overall competitiveness, fourth for talent, and seventh for safety.

Lee emphasized that the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan offers a top-level design and strategic planning for national development over the next five years, while also demonstrating strong support for Hong Kong, thereby envisioning a brighter future for the city.

Deep concern and care from the country: Zhou

Echoing Lee's sentiment, Zhou Ji, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the city, stressed that the delegation's visit illustrates the country's deep care and concern for the region.

Under President Xi Jinping's leadership, Zhou noted that the nation has achieved groundbreaking advancements in social and economic development, positioning Hong Kong for a promising era filled with economic opportunities through enhanced national security and the embrace of patriotism.

With international institutions recognizing Hong Kong as the world's freest economy, Zhou framed this as a strong global endorsement of the city's future.

He attributed the success to the "one country, two systems" principle and the collective work of the government and its citizens.

The 15th Five-Year Plan, Zhou explained, promises to strengthen Hong Kong's key roles as an international financial, transportation and trade centre, while better integrating it into national development strategies.

He expressed confidence that participants would gain a clearer understanding of the development direction through the plenary session discussions, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong's economic and social progress.

Zhou concluded by encouraging participants to vote in the upcoming Legislative Council election, framing it as an opportunity to "enhance governance efficiency" and secure a better future for Hong Kong.