Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee on September 16 unveiled the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) and his fifth Policy Address, rolling out a series of measures to secure the long-term development of the city's pillar industries and consolidate its status as an international metropolis.
Under the plan, Hong Kong will focus on strengthening its four traditional economic centres—finance, trade, maritime, and aviation—while developing a hub for high-calibre talent and enhancing its competitive edge. The plan represents a strategic shift toward longer-term planning, as noted by Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury. "The significance of the First Five-Year Plan for Hong Kong lies in a mindset shift; we must plan Hong Kong's financial development with a longer-term vision and broader perspective," Hui said. "Each of our initiatives centres around one objective, which is to elevate Hong Kong from a 'corridor of capital' to a 'destination of choice'."
As an international financial centre, Hong Kong will deepen its global offshore Renminbi business and capital market, develop asset and wealth management, and expand fixed income and commodity trading. The city has become the world's largest cross-boundary wealth management centre this year. A central clearing and settlement system for gold will launch in the first quarter of 2027, marking a significant step in developing a commodity trading ecosystem.
In trade, Hong Kong was ranked the world's fifth-largest merchandise trade entity in 2025. The government will consolidate its role in mainland China's high-level opening up. The Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global has already assisted over 340 mainland enterprises with listing, compliance, and overseas expansion. "We will actively forge free trade agreements and investment agreements with economies that are of development potential or strategic locations," said Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development. "We will expand our network of overseas offices and leverage the combined networks of our overseas Economic and Trade Offices, InvestHK, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council offices globally."
As a maritime centre, Hong Kong has ranked fourth globally in comprehensive maritime strength for seven consecutive years. The plan aims to transform the port from "volume to value" by promoting high value-added services. The city will build an integrated ecosystem where Hong Kong-invested enterprises adopt Hong Kong law, take out Hong Kong insurance, and choose arbitration in Hong Kong. In aviation, Hong Kong's airport was the world's busiest cargo airport for the 15th year since 2010, handling 5.07 million tonnes of cargo, with passenger throughput up 15% year-on-year to 61 million. The government will continue to expand air services agreements, particularly in South America, Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Caucasus.
For innovation and technology, Hong Kong will promote artificial intelligence applications across trades and focus on core technologies such as life and health, AI and robotics, microelectronics, new energy, advanced manufacturing, and new materials. The city aims to raise the ratio of Total Domestic Expenditure on Innovation Activities to GDP to 3% after 2030. These initiatives underscore Hong Kong's commitment to sustainable development and its role in national strategies.
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