Financial Secretary Paul Chan today revealed that he discussed Hong Kong’s role in the 15th Five-Year Plan with legislators during this morning’s Legislative Council Ante Chamber Exchange Session.

Speaking to the media after attending the session, Mr Chan iterated that the recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan were set out last October and that the final plan will be released in March during the “two sessions” meeting in Beijing.

He said that on the basis of the recommendations set out in October, the Government has been taking the future role of Hong Kong in overall national development into consideration as it prepares to unveil the 2026-27 Budget later this month. 

Referring to national development, he stated: “During the process, we will also benefit ourselves. For example, going forward, apart from being an international financial centre and international trade centre, technology and innovation will be a major driver of future economic growth.”

Stressing that aspects of the upcoming Budget will be devoted to aligning Hong Kong’s economic direction with the 15th Five-Year Plan priorities, he said these include focusing on technological self-reliance and the integration of technology with industrial development. 

Mr Chan added: “About the Five-Year Plan for Hong Kong that is to be led by the Chief Executive, this is indeed a great move because, going forward, the development of Hong Kong is counting on the strong support of the central authorities, and the competitive advantage of Hong Kong is that, being an international financial, trade and technology centre, we have a very strong hinterland, a 1.4 billion-strong market, and a very vibrant technology industry chain.

“We need to leverage on this to support our future growth. That is why, in the Budget, we will also talk about this.”