A delegation of permanent secretaries and heads of departments began a national affairs study programme today at the National Academy of Governance (NAG) in Beijing. The course aims to deepen their understanding of China’s major policies and strategic development.

The programme opened with a lecture by Xie Chuntao, NAG Executive Vice President in charge of daily operations, who spoke on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

The delegation also received a briefing on the National 15th Five-Year Plan, covering its primary objectives and the formulation process.

Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung, who led the delegation, called on Mr Xie this morning. She thanked the NAG for its long-standing support of civil service training for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

She noted that the civil service is a cornerstone of the Hong Kong SAR’s governance system, tasked with implementing the “one country, two systems” principle and supporting the Government’s administration.

Mrs Yeung added that the study programme, designed for the most senior civil servants, offers a valuable opportunity to understand key national policies and the evolving global landscape. This will help bureaus formulate and implement measures that proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan in the future.