Chapter I Formulate the First Five-Year Plan and Start a New Chapter for Hong Kong

 (A) Four-Year Review

1. The current-term Government has been in office for four years. During those four years, Hong Kong's economy has gone from negative growth of minus 3.7% to positive growth of 3.6% last year. For the first half of 2026, the economy even grew 5.1% year-on-year, marking the strongest half-year performance in almost five years. Total exports of goods also grew by over 26% year on year. Our Gross Domestic Product surpassed $3.3 trillion in 2025. The numbers of registered local and non-local companies both hit record highs, and the total amount of funds raised through initial public offerings (IPOs) is ranked among the world's top. Median monthly employment earnings among citizens have risen by a cumulative 20% over the past four years. Our achievements have won recognition around the world. We are consistently ranked as the world's freest economy. We have become the largest cross-boundary wealth management centre globally, and reclaimed our position as the world's third-largest international financial centre. Our world competitiveness ranking has climbed to second place, while we have jumped 10 places to rank fourth globally in talent competitiveness. We have been ranked third in education competitiveness, with five of our universities among the world's top 100.

2. Over the past four years, the Government has worked to resolve many deep-seated and long-standing problems, including regulating ride-hailing services by legislation to fill the legal vacuum that has existed for years; rationalising traffic flow among the three harbour crossings to relieve the chronic cross-harbour traffic congestion; enacting the Basic Housing Units Ordinance to eradicate substandard subdivided units (SDUs) in residential buildings in an orderly manner; launching Light Public Housing (LPH); shortening the Composite Waiting Time for Subsidised Rental Housing (CWT) by 1.3 years, from 6.1 years to 4.8 years, setting the lowest level in over eight years for two consecutive quarters; and combating the abuse of public rental housing (PRH) with over 10 000 units recovered, equivalent to two large public housing estates, enabling people to move into their flats sooner.

3. We have fully implemented the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" and strengthened interactive exchanges between the Executive and the Legislature. We have improved governance at the district level, set up District Services & Community Care Teams (Care Teams) and visited more than 600 000 elderly households and households in need to enhance district support services.

4. We have introduced reforms to the approval system for drugs and medical devices, by establishing "primary evaluation" and preparing for the establishment of the Centre for Medical Products Regulation, enabling people to gain earlier access to more advanced treatment. We have also advanced primary healthcare development and strengthened chronic disease management, so that the public can benefit from early prevention and early treatment. In addition, we have introduced a reward scheme for the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme, allowing shared use of vouchers between spouses, and extending its application coverage to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Furthermore, we have also improved manpower for public healthcare, brought in talent and started the preparation for establishment of the third medical school. The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK) also commenced services.

5. We have abolished the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) offsetting arrangement; changed the Statutory Minimum Wage review frequency from biennial to annual; and improved the threshold under the continuous contract requirement from what has been commonly referred to as the "418" requirement to the "468" requirement. This enables more workers to receive greater protection.

6. The National Games was co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao for the first time and with great success. Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), following its grand opening, has quickly become one of the most popular sports and entertainment venues in the world. This has enhanced Hong Kong's capability and attractiveness in hosting large-scale sports events, concerts and other activities, boosting our mega-event economy.

7. Embracing a result-oriented approach, I transformed government culture, establishing a government-wide mobilisation mechanism. It has been activated in the aftermath of extreme weather and for large-scale drills, raising the Government's overall preparedness and emergency response capabilities.

8. The Government has brought violence to an end and restored social order and is handling key cases concerning offences endangering national security in accordance with the law. The Government has also completed local legislation for Article 23 of the Basic Law, gloriously fulfilling its constitutional responsibility, which took more than 26 years to accomplish, and establishing a comprehensive and effective shield for safeguarding national security. Hong Kong has further strengthened national security, maintaining the city's prosperity and stability, and creating a more stable and predictable environment for business and development.

(B) Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan

9. By formulating successive national Five-Year Plans, our country has thrived through sustained endeavour, and enhanced social development and livelihoods in each of its five-year periods, realising significant achievements that are impressive at a global level.

10. This year marks the opening year of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has formulated our first Five-Year Plan (the Five-Year Plan) to proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, seizing opportunities for development while better integrating into and serving the overall national development. In the thick of accelerating global changes not seen in a century, the vibrant momentum driven by our country's robust strength, enormous market and high-quality development presents Hong Kong with boundless opportunities. We will better develop our economy and boost social well-being, starting a bright new chapter for Hong Kong.

11. The Five-Year Plan is a forward-looking, strategic, and directional guiding document for Hong Kong, a blueprint for the city's economic and social development over the next five years. The Policy Address, meanwhile, is an annual report on the implementation of the Five-Year Plan, together with the Chief Executive's policy priorities for the year having regard to actual circumstances. The two documents are interconnected and inextricably related.

12. The Five-Year Plan is the blueprint for economic and social development. The Policy Address seeks to realise the blueprint by adjusting policy agenda and formulating work indicators annually, in response to the global environment as well as economic outlook and dynamics. It also sets out details of the key policy priorities, major works and infrastructure projects for the year.

13. Over the coming year, as we move ahead with the implementation of the Five-Year Plan, the Government will focus on the key policies and major projects set out in the Policy Address. Through the allocation of resources in the Budget and a cross-departmental co-ordination mechanism, we will regularly review progress and ensure the orderly implementation of objectives.

Chapter II  Fully, Faithfully and Resolutely Implement the "one country, two systems" Principle

(A) Fully and Faithfully Implement

"One Country, Two Systems"

14. "One country, two systems" is the cornerstone of Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, and we must stay committed to the cause. With a resolute commitment, we will continue to fully and faithfully implement the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy. Practical experience has proven that by upholding the principle of "one country" and leveraging the advantages of "two systems", Hong Kong is able to make better use of its strengths and seize the opportunities presented by our country's development, ensuring the steadfast and successful implementation of "one country, two systems".

(B) Safeguard National Security

15. The fundamental premise of the "one country, two systems" principle is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. In the face of intricate risks and complex challenges amid the accelerating changes not seen in a century, we must establish a bottom-line mindset to mitigate risks and hidden threats. Safeguarding national security is a never-ending process and a continuing mission of the HKSAR.

16. The successive implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance has provided better protection for the security of our country and Hong Kong. We will continue to improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security, upholding the unity of the Central Government's fundamental responsibility and the HKSAR's constitutional responsibility for safeguarding national security.

17. We will follow a holistic approach to development and security. Security must never be overlooked in promoting development. High-quality development must be safeguarded by high-level security; in turn high-level security must be underpinned by high-quality development.

18. Our implementation of measures safeguarding national security has brought a sense of stability, certainty and predictability to the market. Hong Kong is a "safe harbour", and a "safe harbour" is a "harbour for development". Security has become a clear advantage for Hong Kong's development.

19. To respect and abide by the national security laws is not only a responsibility, but also an obligation of each and every one of us. The HKSAR Government will continue to reinforce promotional and educational efforts in respect of national security. The National Security Exhibition Gallery, the first physical national security education base in Hong Kong, has attracted over 1.9 million visitors since its launch in August 2024. The Government will expand the gallery and enrich its contents to promote the concept that "security brings prosperity".

(C) Uphold and Enhance the Executive-Led System

20. The HKSAR Government will uphold its executive-led system and assume its main responsibility. It performs the roles and functions of a co-ordinator, facilitator and enabler, and enhances its working mechanism for advancing various areas of work through pragmatic and effective measures. These measures maintain social stability, support high-quality economic development, and enhance people's well-being.

21. Under the principle of executive-led governance, the executive authorities and the legislature check and balance and co-operate with each other. Both focus on jointly addressing social issues, developing the economy and improving people's livelihood.

(D) Implement the Principle of "Patriots Administering Hong Kong"

22. Since the improvement of the HKSAR's electoral system in 2021 and district governance system in 2023, the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" has been fully implemented, providing solid institutional safeguards for the steadfast and successful implementation of "one country, two systems".

23. The HKSAR will devote its efforts to preparing for the Election Committee Subsector Ordinary Elections to be held on November 22 this year, as well as the Chief Executive Election and the District Council Ordinary Election next year. We will ensure that these elections are conducted in a fair, just, honest, safe and orderly manner.

24. We will strengthen patriotic forces with affection for the country and our city, placing particular emphasis on nurturing young people and uniting patriots from all sectors in the community. By establishing communication platforms, we will create a more extensive network of patriotic groups, working in unison to resolve challenges.

(E) Promote Patriotic Education

Strengthen Affection for and Sense of Belonging to the Country

25. We will align with the strategic initiative of "fostering virtue through education in the new era" under the 15th Five-Year Plan, as well as enhancing students' sense of national identity and building their cultural confidence. To that end, we will extend the promotion of activities for the Constitution and Basic Law Student Ambassadors Training Scheme to all publicly-funded primary and secondary schools. We will also launch a new national security education online platform to tie in with the updated Curriculum Framework of National Security Education in Hong Kong, and provide more learning and teaching resources as well as teacher training courses on national geography.

26. We will deepen patriotic education for young people by making good use of the Mainland's resources to deliver multi-faceted and content-rich exchange and internship activities as well as designating annual themes, such as the country's aerospace achievements and the supply of Dongjiang water to Hong Kong. This will enable young people to witness first-hand the country's development and achievements, deepening their understanding of the nation's history and culture as well as its enduring bond and kinship with Hong Kong.

Promote Hometown Culture

27. Since the launch of the Clansmen Culture Promotion Scheme in 2024, annual funding of $10 million has been provided to subsidise the organisation of activities in promoting hometown culture. The Scheme has so far funded over 100 such activities of clansmen associations. Starting from the 2027-28 financial year, the Government will continue to earmark funding of $10 million annually to support clansmen associations in organising more activities, with particular emphasis on deepening young people's understanding of and sense of belonging to their hometowns.

Enrich Patriotic Education Resources

28. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March. Yan'an is a sacred place of the Chinese revolution and the cradle of New China. With the support of the Central Government, we will list the Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall in Shaanxi Province as the second patriotic education base for the youth of the HKSAR in the Mainland, and encourage students and young people to visit the place for study. We will continue to communicate with relevant Mainland departments on the inclusion of more patriotic education facilities to enrich Hong Kong's patriotic education resources.

Establish a Museum to Showcase the Development and Achievements of Our Country

29. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) is collaborating with relevant national museums, including the National Museum of China and the Museum of the Communist Party of China, to take forward the preparatory work for the establishment of a museum in Kwu Tung North. The museum will focus on the development and achievements of our country, showcasing our country's rapid progress and remarkable achievements in such areas as technology, sports and culture. It will also highlight Hong Kong's role in national development and the unique advantages of "one country, two systems".

Promote Chinese Culture

30. The Chinese Culture Promotion Office has since its establishment in April 2024 organised various well-received exhibitions, with the Chinese Culture Festival and the General History of China Exhibition Series curated as annual flagship brands. The Chinese Culture Festival will continue to feature high-quality projects, showcasing profound traditional Chinese culture to tell the good stories of China to the world.

(To be continued.)

Ends/Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Issued at HKT 12:29

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