Chief Executive John Lee today convened the first working meeting of the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis, focusing on discussing and guiding the future directions and strategies of the three working groups to accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis.

The three working groups will commence work as soon as possible and fully advance the accelerated development of the Northern Metropolis according to the instructions given.

Mr Lee stated at the meeting that the Northern Metropolis possesses unique geographical advantages, with its land area and planned population intake accounting for about one-third of Hong Kong's total.

He added that the project serves as a new engine for Hong Kong's economic development, possessing enormous development potential and economic value.

Furthermore, the Chief Executive said the project will create many jobs, increase income and enhance the city's overall competitiveness.

Mr Lee emphasised that expediting the high-efficiency development of the Northern Metropolis is an urgent and strategic priority for Hong Kong's future development.

He stressed that the Government must spare no effort to seize development opportunities and advance Hong Kong's economy towards a new phase of high value-added growth and strong competitiveness.

Mr Lee pointed out that over the past three years, the Government has formulated development plans as well as accelerated construction for the Northern Metropolis.

He outlined that the main purpose of establishing the committee, personally led by him, is to elevate the decision-making level of Northern Metropolis development, streamline administrative procedures, remove barriers, break through bottlenecks, and adopt new thinking to achieve construction goals that are safe, cost-effective, and time-saving.

The committee also aims to enact dedicated legislation to accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis.

The 2025 Policy Address announced the establishment of the committee, under which three working groups would be set up.

The three working groups are the Working Group on Devising Development & Operation Models led by the Financial Secretary, the Working Group on Planning & Construction of the University Town led by the Chief Secretary, and the Working Group on Planning & Development led by the Deputy Financial Secretary.

Mr Lee directed the three working groups to convene meetings and commence work as soon as possible, report detailed work plans to the committee, and formulate plans for matters that can be advanced in the short term.