Finance chief says Northern Metropolis megaproject will become 'spatial carrier' for emerging industries
Hong Kong's inaugural five-year plan will outline strategies to address the city's weaknesses, enhance residents' quality of life, and generate improved employment opportunities, including through the use of artificial intelligence, the financial secretary has stated ahead of a public consultation on the blueprint.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po noted on Sunday that a central objective of the plan would be upgrading and transforming the city's economy, while also pledging to turn the Northern Metropolis into a "spatial carrier" for emerging and future industries.
"Hong Kong's five-year plan aims not only to provide greater momentum for economic development and better application of technology, but also to promote more inclusive and equitable development in society, provide residents with more quality employment opportunities and create a better life," he wrote in his weekly blog.
The initiative is being spearheaded by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, with the blueprint expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Lee revealed last week that the two-month public consultation for the plan would commence on Monday, confirming an earlier report by the South China Morning Post.
The public can share their opinions through dedicated websites, and the government will organise multiple sessions to collect feedback from diverse groups, including legislators and industry representatives.