Beijing’s senior official overseeing Hong Kong affairs, Xia Baolong, acknowledged the city government’s efforts to advance innovation initiatives within the Northern Metropolis development during a two-day study tour that began June 16. The visit underscored Beijing’s encouragement for Hong Kong to capitalise on national development opportunities outlined in China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030).

Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), was briefed by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and accompanied by key officials including Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, and prominent business figures such as property developers. The first day’s focus was on the Northern Metropolis, a major government project to develop 30,000 hectares along the border with mainland China into a hub for housing and economic growth.

During his visit, Xia toured several sites central to the innovation drive. He inspected the Hong Kong park within the cross-border innovation hub in Hetao, a microelectronics centre at Yuen Long InnoPark, and the future location for a data facility cluster in Sandy Ridge. Xia also attended a luncheon with Zhou Ji, director of the central government liaison office, alongside top local officials at the Gold Coast Yacht and Country Club in Tuen Mun. The gathering included discussions on yacht tourism and marina developments throughout Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. Beijing is expected to announce policy details soon to facilitate berthing of Hong Kong-registered yachts at mainland ports in the region.

At AsiaWorld-Expo, Xia explored how large-scale events might be leveraged as economic drivers for Hong Kong. Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong said Xia recognised the government’s rapid progress in constructing innovation infrastructure and related projects, noting ‘preliminary results’ achieved within a short timeframe. Xia emphasised the importance of seizing the development window created by the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan to accelerate the establishment of Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology centre and global high-end talent hub.

Finance Secretary Paul Chan highlighted on social media that Xia’s visit reinforced the city’s resolve to promote reform and technological advancement, with particular focus on speeding up Northern Metropolis development. Xia also encouraged businesses within the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park to boost investment and use Hong Kong as a strategic base for broader expansion, according to Shokz Global CEO Chen Hao. Vincent Ma Wai-shin, CEO of the Hong Kong park, reported a 76 percent tenancy rate in the flagship building and reaffirmed plans to accelerate construction and investment attraction.

Xia’s itinerary included a stop at Hung Shui Kiu, an early development zone in the megaproject earmarked for high-end professional services, logistics, and a future university town. Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin said Xia’s visit signaled Beijing’s strong support for tertiary education development and the city’s younger generation. Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho provided updates on the upcoming Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park, while Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan outlined future transport infrastructure including a planned cross-border railway and green transit connections to support the Northern Metropolis.

The tour also covered Kwu Tung North, a critical source of public and private housing. Xia visited a light public housing pilot project on Yau Pok Road in Yuen Long, designed to deliver 30,000 modular integrated construction flats for families with prolonged waits for public rental housing. Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin briefed Xia on the modular construction method, which utilises prefabricated components manufactured in mainland factories featuring mechanised and robotic technologies within the Greater Bay Area.

Overall, Xia’s visit reinforced Beijing’s commitment to supporting Hong Kong’s integration into national strategies and its drive to become a leading innovation and technology hub within the region. Local officials expressed optimism that the guidance provided would invigorate ongoing development efforts in the Northern Metropolis and related sectors.