Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu is set to unveil a comprehensive policy address tomorrow that will outline measures aimed at cutting business red tape, accelerating development in the Northern Metropolis, and strengthening the city’s innovation and technology sectors. The speech, expected to last up to three hours, will also introduce the city’s first five-year development plan, combining aspirational and binding targets designed to guide both the current and future administrations.
Government insiders indicated that the policy address will emphasize deregulation and the streamlining of procedures to facilitate faster business setup and operations, especially in the Northern Metropolis—a major new development zone spanning 30,000 hectares in the New Territories. Authorities plan to ease approval processes related to construction and commercial activities in order to reduce delays and costs for companies, while maintaining commitments to urban planning, environmental protection, and safety standards.
The Northern Metropolis project aims to diversify Hong Kong’s economy through technology-driven initiatives, including the establishment of multiple innovation hubs and a university town. Officials intend to announce specific details on land plot sizes for the three university town areas, alongside updated timelines for the completion of key infrastructure projects such as new rail lines. The expansion of higher education in the area is also planned, with an expected increase in research postgraduate and doctoral places funded through the University Grants Committee to support local universities’ growth within the zone.
Proactive policies promoting industrial development are expected to feature prominently, reinforcing the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster’s status as a leading global hub. The cluster was recently ranked first worldwide by the World Intellectual Property Organization. Authorities also plan to enhance synergy among Hong Kong’s three innovation parks and foster collaboration among five major research and development institutions, including the Life and Health Technology Research Institute.
Officials are considering inviting smaller companies, local universities, and organizations from the mainland and abroad to participate in projects at the Lok Ma Chau Loop, the site of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park. This approach aims to nurture innovative ideas, attract talent, and sustain an integrated research ecosystem.
The government also plans to leverage artificial intelligence across various sectors, including tourism, welfare, finance, and legal services, while deploying robotics in community settings. Emphasis will be placed on responsible AI use that respects ethical and safety considerations. Additionally, new legislation to address cyber-dependent crimes may be introduced.
The policy address is widely viewed as a strategic move ahead of the July 2027 leadership race, with observers keen to see whether Lee’s framework will bolster his prospects for a second term. In recent comments, Lee emphasized that the five-year plan will uphold Hong Kong’s capitalist system and fully harness its advantages to foster job creation and upward social mobility.
Industry representatives have welcomed the approach but urged greater flexibility in investment models. Wingo Lo Kam-wing, president of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, called for more adaptable land payment arrangements to better support development in the Northern Metropolis.