Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee unveiled the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) alongside his fifth Policy Address on September 16, outlining a strategic roadmap to secure the long-term development of the city's pillar industries. The plan focuses on strengthening Hong Kong's four traditional centres—finance, trade, maritime, and aviation—while also developing a hub for high-calibre talent and consolidating its competitive edge as an international city.
Central to the plan is the reinforcement of Hong Kong's role as an international financial centre. The government aims to deepen the development of its global offshore Renminbi business and capital market, expand fixed income and commodity trading, and enhance the securities market. "We will consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre, and stay committed to our global positioning," Mr Lee said. Notably, Hong Kong has become the world's largest cross-boundary wealth management centre this year, and authorities plan to build a more attractive asset and wealth management ecosystem. A key initiative is the development of a commodity trading ecosystem, starting with gold, including the launch of a central clearing and settlement system for gold in the first quarter of 2027. Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, emphasised the mindset shift: "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 to adapt with flexibility and diversity." He added that the objective is to elevate Hong Kong from a "corridor of capital" to a "destination of choice."
In trade, Hong Kong was ranked the world's fifth-largest entity in merchandise trade in 2025. The plan seeks to consolidate its status as an international trade centre and play a greater role in the high-level opening up of the Chinese Mainland. The Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, established last October, has already assisted over 340 Mainland enterprises with listing, capital raising, and compliance. Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, said, "In alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan's call to advocate and practise true multilateralism, the First Five-Year Plan proposes to continue expanding international economic and trade network." This includes forging free trade agreements and expanding overseas offices.
As an international maritime centre, Hong Kong has ranked fourth globally in maritime comprehensive strength for seven consecutive years. The plan aims to drive a "volume to value" transformation of the Hong Kong Port, capitalising on high value-added maritime services to develop a "Global Maritime Capital." This includes promoting "Finance + Shipping" and building an integrated ecosystem where Hong Kong-invested enterprises adopt Hong Kong law, insurance, and arbitration.
In aviation, Hong Kong's passenger throughput increased by 15% last year to 61 million, with flights to over 220 destinations, and its airport has been the world's busiest cargo airport for 15 years since 2010. The government will expand its aviation network and diversify business opportunities by visiting South America, Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Caucasus to conclude new air services agreements.
Additionally, Hong Kong will step up efforts to become an international innovation and technology centre, promoting AI applications across trades and focusing on core technologies such as life and health, AI and robotics, microelectronics, new energy, advanced manufacturing, and new materials. The government aims to raise the ratio of Total Domestic Expenditure on Innovation Activities to GDP to 3% after 2030.
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