Chief Executive John Lee met with business and innovation leaders on Thursday to advise on Hong Kong's first five-year plan [1].
The initiative marks a shift toward long-term strategic planning for the city. By establishing a formal blueprint, the government aims to coordinate economic growth and technological advancement to maintain regional competitiveness.
Lee convened the Council of Advisers, which includes figures such as Sun Piaoyang and Xu Tao, at the government headquarters in the Admiralty district [2]. The discussions focused on how to integrate artificial intelligence into the city's economic fabric. Lee said the first five-year blueprint and the upcoming policy address will drive AI-led growth [3].
According to officials, the administration views AI as the "central plank" [3] of this new economic strategy. The plan seeks to leverage the expertise of business leaders to ensure the city's infrastructure, and regulatory environment, can support rapid innovation [1].
One adviser said they were "inspired" by the high-powered group's discussions [4]. The meetings are intended to guide the strategic direction of the city over the next five years [1], ensuring that the local economy evolves alongside global technological trends.
This five-year framework [1] is designed to provide a stable roadmap for investors and entrepreneurs. By centering the plan on AI, the government intends to transition the economy toward higher-value industries, and digital services [3].
“AI as the 'central plank'”
The adoption of a five-year planning cycle mirrors the strategic approach used by mainland China, suggesting a tighter alignment between Hong Kong's economic governance and national developmental goals. By prioritizing AI, Hong Kong is attempting to pivot from its traditional role as a financial hub to a dual-role as a technology and innovation center.
