Patrick Li: Speedily drafting the 5-year plan for Hong Kong, advancing the construction of the northern capital, and further improving people's livelihoods.

Today is the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The SAR government held a celebration reception at the Wan Chai Convention and Exhibition Center. During his speech, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu stated that in the future, the government will work vigorously in three areas, including expeditiously drafting Hong Kong's first five-year plan, promoting the development of the Northern Metropolis, and further improving people's livelihoods. John Lee Ka-chiu mentioned that the public consultation for the five-year plan has begun and will provide direction for Hong Kong's economic and social development. The Policy Address will align with the plan's direction and requirements, set specific goals, report progress, and introduce policies and measures as needed based on actual circumstances each year. John Lee Ka-chiu emphasized that the five-year plan is an important step to ensure economic and social development, serving as a carrier for the governance philosophy of "people-oriented". It covers a wide range of areas including economy, infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing, and other aspects of people's well-being. Hong Kong will actively integrate into and serve the overall development of the country, further consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's position as an international center in finance, shipping, trade, and innovation and technology. John Lee Ka-chiu pointed out that with the goal of building a Northern Metropolis focusing on university campuses, industries, technology, and creating a "liveable, business-friendly, and tourist-friendly" environment, Hong Kong will achieve breakthroughs in development. Furthermore, the government will continue to improve people's livelihoods with the goal of enhancing citizens' well-being, especially in areas such as housing, transportation, healthcare, education, welfare, and youth development, aiming to provide citizens with a better quality of life, youth with better development opportunities, and the elderly with better care, fostering a harmonious and inclusive society. He mentioned that over the past four years, the government has transformed its culture by establishing a government focused on delivering results, addressing long-standing issues, and ensuring a safe and stable Hong Kong. Achievements include passing 23 pieces of legislation, strengthening national security, eradicating substandard housing, reducing public housing waiting times, among others. Economic growth in the first quarter also reached a nearly 5-year high. John Lee Ka-chiu also mentioned that this year's July 1st has another significance as the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. According to the Constitution, the highest principle of the political system of the People's Republic of China is the leadership of the Communist Party of China. The Hong Kong SAR was established according to the Constitution while maintaining its capitalist system and way of life, continuing to adhere to the common law system, and ensuring the free flow of people, funds, data, and goods. The prosperity and stability of the country are the strongest backing for Hong Kong. The SAR government will soon hold a launch ceremony to celebrate the important day of the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, together with various sectors of society. John Lee Ka-chiu believes that with the unique advantages of "one country, two systems" and the adaptability, competitiveness, and courage of the people of Hong Kong, the Pearl of the Orient will sail on the wave of national development and create a more brilliant future.