Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has announced that a public consultation for the final policy address of his current term will begin on Monday. The consultation will also gather public opinions on the city’s first five-year development plan.
Lee made the announcement on Thursday after meeting leaders from Hong Kong’s tertiary education sector. The discussions focused on the development plan and the future direction of the city.
According to Lee, the consultation process will allow residents and stakeholders to share their views on important policy issues and long-term goals. The government plans to collect suggestions from different sectors of society and use the feedback when preparing both the policy address and the five-year plan.
“The consultation will collect opinions on both the five-year plan and the policy address, with the government to organise and incorporate them accordingly,” Lee said.
The policy address is one of the most important annual government documents in Hong Kong. It outlines key priorities, policy initiatives, and plans for economic and social development. As this will be the final policy address of the current administration, it is expected to set the stage for future government strategies and programs.
The five-year plan is also expected to play a major role in shaping Hong Kong’s development. The initiative aims to provide a longer-term framework for economic growth, innovation, education, housing, infrastructure, and other areas important to the city’s future.
Lee said the government wants to hear a wide range of views during the consultation period. Officials will review the feedback and consider recommendations before finalizing policy proposals.
Education leaders were among the first groups consulted as part of the process. Universities and higher education institutions are expected to contribute ideas on talent development, research, innovation, and workforce preparation. These areas are considered important for strengthening Hong Kong’s competitiveness and supporting future economic growth.
Public consultations have long been used by the Hong Kong government to gather opinions from residents, businesses, professional groups, and community organizations. Officials often use the feedback to refine policies and address public concerns before major announcements are made.
Analysts say this consultation could provide valuable insight into the priorities of residents as the city continues to focus on economic recovery, technology development, housing issues, and international competitiveness.
The government is expected to hold a series of engagement activities during the consultation period. These may include meetings, forums, and opportunities for written submissions from members of the public.
As preparations begin for the final policy address of the current term, the consultation process is expected to help shape key decisions and policy directions for Hong Kong in the coming years. The feedback gathered from residents and stakeholders will likely play an important role in determining the government’s future agenda.
The consultation officially begins on Monday, giving the public an opportunity to contribute ideas and recommendations that could influence both the upcoming policy address and the city’s first comprehensive five-year development plan.
