Hong Kong ‘will deepen technology, industry links under nation’s blueprint’
Finance chief Paul Chan says Hong Kong must make better use of strengths as global financial hub to speed up industrial development
Hong Kong will deepen the integration of technological and industrial innovation through opportunities brought by the nation’s blueprint to drive economic growth, the financial secretary has pledged just weeks ahead of his budget address.
Paul Chan Mo-po also said on Sunday that Hong Kong must make better use of its strengths as an international financial centre to accelerate industrial development as it entered the first year of the country’s latest five-year plan.
“The 15th five-year plan is the most important guiding principle for the country’s socio-economic development over the next five years,” Chan wrote on his weekly blog.
“There is a high level of attention both at home and abroad, with a desire to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the country’s future development direction and the opportunities it presents. The 15th five-year plan also points the way for accelerating development and increasing capacity in the next stage of Hong Kong’s growth.”
The minister will deliver his budget address on February 25.
He also described a recent exchange between senior officials and lawmakers on aligning with the national plan, saying there was consensus that the city had unique strengths in finance, trade and innovation and technology (I&T), which offered “abundant opportunities”.