Chief Executive John Lee attended the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing today, in his capacity as the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The fourth session of the 14th NPC opened this morning, during which Premier Li Qiang delivered the government work report for 2025. He elaborated on the economic and social achievements of the 14th Five-Year Plan period and outlined the country’s main development goals and major tasks for the 15th Five-Year Plan.

The Premier also stated the overall requirements and policy directions for economic and social development this year, as well as the key tasks of the work of the government.

The government work report highlighted the successful conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan with major achievements. Noting that this year marks the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan, the report unveiled a draft outline setting out 20 major indicators and key strategic missions.

The plan focuses on four key areas: pursuing high-quality development, strengthening domestic circulation, promoting common prosperity and co-ordinating development and security.

The report stressed the unwavering commitment to fully implement the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy. It underscored the importance of putting the "patriots administering Hong Kong" principle into practice and ensuring effective governance in accordance with the law.

These efforts aim to promote Hong Kong's economic and social development, support its integration into the nation’s overall development and leverage the city’s unique role as a bridge between the Mainland and the world to ensure long-term prosperity and stability.

The government work report also noted the importance of deepening the integration of innovation in technology and industry. It highlighted the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into an international innovation and technology hub and a world-class city cluster.

The Chief Executive said he was most encouraged and inspired by the report. Noting that this year marks the launch of the National 15th Five-Year Plan and a crucial phase for comprehensively deepening reform, Mr Lee remarked that the period is of great significance to the implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle.

Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government will earnestly fulfil its primary responsibility for governance and steadfastly implement the "one country, two systems" principle, "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy.

He pledged to unite all sectors to comprehensively deepen reform and leverage Hong Kong’s unique institutional and international advantages. He added that the Government remains dedicated to opening new horizons for development, boosting the economy and improving livelihoods while exploring new growth areas.

The Chief Executive also noted that he will lead the Hong Kong SAR Government in formulating a systematic policy framework to align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan.

The Hong Kong SAR Government will formulate more comprehensive and precise strategic initiatives for key development areas. For the first time, it will also draw up a macroscopic and forward-looking five-year plan for Hong Kong to provide a strategic blueprint for the city’s future.

Mr Lee highlighted that, following his earlier instructions, all Hong Kong SAR Government bureaus have established preparatory groups and commenced relevant work. These groups will be converted into formulation teams to align with the 15th Five-Year Plan and work at full speed to complete Hong Kong’s own five-year plan within this year.

The plan will outline the city’s development vision, core objectives and major initiatives, providing a clear roadmap and timetable for Hong Kong's economic and social progress. This strategic blueprint aims to facilitate Hong Kong's integration into national development and give full play to its unique role in serving the country.

The Chief Executive noted that the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre. He pledged to develop the city into an international innovation and technology hub and a premier centre for high-calibre talent.

Furthermore, the Government will promote the establishment of more high value-added enterprises in the Northern Metropolis. While consolidating ties with traditional economies, Hong Kong will proactively explore emerging markets.

The Hong Kong SAR Government has established the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global to connect the Mainland’s robust productivity with Hong Kong's world-class professional services to meet the diverse demands of global buyers.

Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government will facilitate the efforts of quality enterprises in going global and bringing in international capital to advance the high-quality development of the economy. He added that it will also redouble its efforts to improve livelihoods while creating broader opportunities for the upward mobility of Hong Kong's youth.

He said that Hong Kong will continue to enhance its international competitiveness, and deepen international exchanges and co-operation. By strengthening its role as a bridge between the Mainland and the world, the city aims to achieve better development and contribute more significantly to the country’s building and national rejuvenation.