The country is striving to develop new quality productive forces and advance future industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), low-altitude economy and biomedicine. Hong Kong can fully leverage its international research platforms, professional services and capital markets, both to attract global innovation resources to the country and to inject fresh impetus into the local economy. We are advancing the development of the Northern Metropolis at full speed, with a particular focus on major projects such as the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone and the San Tin Technopole. These initiatives will deepen innovation and technology collaboration across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, enabling better integration of the factors of production, including technology, capital, talent and materials, and maximizing the benefits of our connectivity with the mainland and the world.

In the financial sector, we are committed to solidifying and enhancing our strength as an international financial center. More importantly, while ensuring security and effective risk control, we will pursue a "Finance+" approach to empower a broad range of industries, accelerate innovation and technology development as well as commercialization, and enable finance to better serve the real economy in unleashing its potential. Specific priority areas include: improving financing support for technology start-ups and developing "patient capital"; strengthening Hong Kong's role as a premier offshore renminbi business hub; advancing green finance; and building a vibrant ecosystem for gold and commodities trading.

In preparing Hong Kong's 2026-27 Budget which was delivered recently, we had given deep thoughts to the trajectory and overarching macro direction of development from the 14th Five-Year Plan to the 15th Five-Year Plan. Our goal is to align Hong Kong's strengths proactively with the broader national development agenda. Against this backdrop, we set "AI+" and "Finance+" as the main themes. To meet the challenges brought by the rise of "AI+", we will roll out AI Training for All through multiple channels. Through partnership with local universities and professional bodies, we will provide structured AI skills training for working professionals across different age groups and sectors. This will ensure that our workforce can adapt to, and benefit from, future shifts in the economic structure. These initiatives represent our response to the national "AI Plus" initiative, while also securing for us an early advantage in technological competition and developing new quality productive forces. At the same time, they will help our working population adapt to and capture new job opportunities emerging from "AI+", bringing investment in technology closely together with investment in people.

The 15th Five-Year Plan sets a clear direction for Hong Kong's future and strengthens confidence across the community. It brings vast opportunities, and Hong Kong has much to contribute – and much to achieve. We need concerted efforts from the community, so that by better integrating into and serving the country's overall development, Hong Kong can secure even stronger growth for itself.

Paul Chan is the Financial Secretary of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government.

The Two Sessions of our country is being held in Beijing. Deputies and members have gathered to engage in active discussions on the draft outline of the National 15th Five-Year Plan and its core elements. From building a modern industrial system to developing a robust domestic market, and from expanding high-level opening up to solidly advancing rural revitalization across the board, the 15th Five-Year Plan maps out a panoramic blueprint for high-quality development. While holding profound significance to the building of a great country through Chinese modernization and the great cause of national rejuvenation, it serves as important ideological guidance for Hong Kong in seizing new development opportunities and opening up new horizons.

The current international landscape is fraught with turbulence and uncertainties, with geopolitics becoming increasingly complex and volatile, and global economic momentum slowing down. That said, under the strong leadership of the central government, our country has stood up to external challenges and pressure, maintained overall economic stability and progress. The outlook of our country, which always focuses on managing our own affairs well, remains highly promising in terms of policy consistency, technological innovation and integrated sustainability.

The intricate global landscape, compounded by regional conflicts, underscores an important message: To safeguard its strategic initiative amid accelerating changes unseen in a century, our country must be strong and prosperous, with great technological capability and economic strength. This also underlines the importance of understanding the strategic direction of the 15th Five-Year Plan, making it a guiding principle and aligning proactively with its strategies. Accordingly, we will press ahead with formulating and implementing Hong Kong's own five-year plan to drive the city towards high-quality development.

As an international hub for finance, shipping and trade, Hong Kong possesses a wealth of talent and enjoys the distinctive advantage of being backed by the motherland and connected to the world. During this golden strategic period under the 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is well placed to do even more. Thanks to its unique institutional strengths and international character under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework, Hong Kong has long served as a platform for and strategic partner of international investors entering the Chinese mainland market. We are also an ideal gateway for mainland enterprises to go global. Hong Kong can make positive contributions to the high-level opening up under the dual circulation strategy, in respect of leveraging the mainland's vast market and mobilizing international resources.

The country is striving to develop new quality productive forces and advance future industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), low-altitude economy and biomedicine. Hong Kong can fully leverage its international research platforms, professional services and capital markets, both to attract global innovation resources to the country and to inject fresh impetus into the local economy. We are advancing the development of the Northern Metropolis at full speed, with a particular focus on major projects such as the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone and the San Tin Technopole. These initiatives will deepen innovation and technology collaboration across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, enabling better integration of the factors of production, including technology, capital, talent and materials, and maximizing the benefits of our connectivity with the mainland and the world.

In the financial sector, we are committed to solidifying and enhancing our strength as an international financial center. More importantly, while ensuring security and effective risk control, we will pursue a "Finance+" approach to empower a broad range of industries, accelerate innovation and technology development as well as commercialization, and enable finance to better serve the real economy in unleashing its potential. Specific priority areas include: improving financing support for technology start-ups and developing "patient capital"; strengthening Hong Kong's role as a premier offshore renminbi business hub; advancing green finance; and building a vibrant ecosystem for gold and commodities trading.

In preparing Hong Kong's 2026-27 Budget which was delivered recently, we had given deep thoughts to the trajectory and overarching macro direction of development from the 14th Five-Year Plan to the 15th Five-Year Plan. Our goal is to align Hong Kong's strengths proactively with the broader national development agenda. Against this backdrop, we set "AI+" and "Finance+" as the main themes. To meet the challenges brought by the rise of "AI+", we will roll out AI Training for All through multiple channels. Through partnership with local universities and professional bodies, we will provide structured AI skills training for working professionals across different age groups and sectors. This will ensure that our workforce can adapt to, and benefit from, future shifts in the economic structure. These initiatives represent our response to the national "AI Plus" initiative, while also securing for us an early advantage in technological competition and developing new quality productive forces. At the same time, they will help our working population adapt to and capture new job opportunities emerging from "AI+", bringing investment in technology closely together with investment in people.

The 15th Five-Year Plan sets a clear direction for Hong Kong's future and strengthens confidence across the community. It brings vast opportunities, and Hong Kong has much to contribute – and much to achieve. We need concerted efforts from the community, so that by better integrating into and serving the country's overall development, Hong Kong can secure even stronger growth for itself.

Paul Chan is the Financial Secretary of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government.

The country is striving to develop new quality productive forces and advance future industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), low-altitude economy and biomedicine. Hong Kong can fully leverage its international research platforms, professional services and capital markets, both to attract global innovation resources to the country and to inject fresh impetus into the local economy. We are advancing the development of the Northern Metropolis at full speed, with a particular focus on major projects such as the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone and the San Tin Technopole. These initiatives will deepen innovation and technology collaboration across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, enabling better integration of the factors of production, including technology, capital, talent and materials, and maximizing the benefits of our connectivity with the mainland and the world.

In the financial sector, we are committed to solidifying and enhancing our strength as an international financial center. More importantly, while ensuring security and effective risk control, we will pursue a "Finance+" approach to empower a broad range of industries, accelerate innovation and technology development as well as commercialization, and enable finance to better serve the real economy in unleashing its potential. Specific priority areas include: improving financing support for technology start-ups and developing "patient capital"; strengthening Hong Kong's role as a premier offshore renminbi business hub; advancing green finance; and building a vibrant ecosystem for gold and commodities trading.

In preparing Hong Kong's 2026-27 Budget which was delivered recently, we had given deep thoughts to the trajectory and overarching macro direction of development from the 14th Five-Year Plan to the 15th Five-Year Plan. Our goal is to align Hong Kong's strengths proactively with the broader national development agenda. Against this backdrop, we set "AI+" and "Finance+" as the main themes. To meet the challenges brought by the rise of "AI+", we will roll out AI Training for All through multiple channels. Through partnership with local universities and professional bodies, we will provide structured AI skills training for working professionals across different age groups and sectors. This will ensure that our workforce can adapt to, and benefit from, future shifts in the economic structure. These initiatives represent our response to the national "AI Plus" initiative, while also securing for us an early advantage in technological competition and developing new quality productive forces. At the same time, they will help our working population adapt to and capture new job opportunities emerging from "AI+", bringing investment in technology closely together with investment in people.

The 15th Five-Year Plan sets a clear direction for Hong Kong's future and strengthens confidence across the community. It brings vast opportunities, and Hong Kong has much to contribute – and much to achieve. We need concerted efforts from the community, so that by better integrating into and serving the country's overall development, Hong Kong can secure even stronger growth for itself.

Paul Chan is the Financial Secretary of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government.

The Two Sessions of our country is being held in Beijing. Deputies and members have gathered to engage in active discussions on the draft outline of the National 15th Five-Year Plan and its core elements. From building a modern industrial system to developing a robust domestic market, and from expanding high-level opening up to solidly advancing rural revitalization across the board, the 15th Five-Year Plan maps out a panoramic blueprint for high-quality development. While holding profound significance to the building of a great country through Chinese modernization and the great cause of national rejuvenation, it serves as important ideological guidance for Hong Kong in seizing new development opportunities and opening up new horizons.

The current international landscape is fraught with turbulence and uncertainties, with geopolitics becoming increasingly complex and volatile, and global economic momentum slowing down. That said, under the strong leadership of the central government, our country has stood up to external challenges and pressure, maintained overall economic stability and progress. The outlook of our country, which always focuses on managing our own affairs well, remains highly promising in terms of policy consistency, technological innovation and integrated sustainability.

The intricate global landscape, compounded by regional conflicts, underscores an important message: To safeguard its strategic initiative amid accelerating changes unseen in a century, our country must be strong and prosperous, with great technological capability and economic strength. This also underlines the importance of understanding the strategic direction of the 15th Five-Year Plan, making it a guiding principle and aligning proactively with its strategies. Accordingly, we will press ahead with formulating and implementing Hong Kong's own five-year plan to drive the city towards high-quality development.

As an international hub for finance, shipping and trade, Hong Kong possesses a wealth of talent and enjoys the distinctive advantage of being backed by the motherland and connected to the world. During this golden strategic period under the 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is well placed to do even more. Thanks to its unique institutional strengths and international character under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework, Hong Kong has long served as a platform for and strategic partner of international investors entering the Chinese mainland market. We are also an ideal gateway for mainland enterprises to go global. Hong Kong can make positive contributions to the high-level opening up under the dual circulation strategy, in respect of leveraging the mainland's vast market and mobilizing international resources.

The country is striving to develop new quality productive forces and advance future industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), low-altitude economy and biomedicine. Hong Kong can fully leverage its international research platforms, professional services and capital markets, both to attract global innovation resources to the country and to inject fresh impetus into the local economy. We are advancing the development of the Northern Metropolis at full speed, with a particular focus on major projects such as the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone and the San Tin Technopole. These initiatives will deepen innovation and technology collaboration across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, enabling better integration of the factors of production, including technology, capital, talent and materials, and maximizing the benefits of our connectivity with the mainland and the world.

In the financial sector, we are committed to solidifying and enhancing our strength as an international financial center. More importantly, while ensuring security and effective risk control, we will pursue a "Finance+" approach to empower a broad range of industries, accelerate innovation and technology development as well as commercialization, and enable finance to better serve the real economy in unleashing its potential. Specific priority areas include: improving financing support for technology start-ups and developing "patient capital"; strengthening Hong Kong's role as a premier offshore renminbi business hub; advancing green finance; and building a vibrant ecosystem for gold and commodities trading.

In preparing Hong Kong's 2026-27 Budget which was delivered recently, we had given deep thoughts to the trajectory and overarching macro direction of development from the 14th Five-Year Plan to the 15th Five-Year Plan. Our goal is to align Hong Kong's strengths proactively with the broader national development agenda. Against this backdrop, we set "AI+" and "Finance+" as the main themes. To meet the challenges brought by the rise of "AI+", we will roll out AI Training for All through multiple channels. Through partnership with local universities and professional bodies, we will provide structured AI skills training for working professionals across different age groups and sectors. This will ensure that our workforce can adapt to, and benefit from, future shifts in the economic structure. These initiatives represent our response to the national "AI Plus" initiative, while also securing for us an early advantage in technological competition and developing new quality productive forces. At the same time, they will help our working population adapt to and capture new job opportunities emerging from "AI+", bringing investment in technology closely together with investment in people.

The 15th Five-Year Plan sets a clear direction for Hong Kong's future and strengthens confidence across the community. It brings vast opportunities, and Hong Kong has much to contribute – and much to achieve. We need concerted efforts from the community, so that by better integrating into and serving the country's overall development, Hong Kong can secure even stronger growth for itself.

Paul Chan is the Financial Secretary of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government.

The country is striving to develop new quality productive forces and advance future industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), low-altitude economy and biomedicine. Hong Kong can fully leverage its international research platforms, professional services and capital markets, both to attract global innovation resources to the country and to inject fresh impetus into the local economy. We are advancing the development of the Northern Metropolis at full speed, with a particular focus on major projects such as the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone and the San Tin Technopole. These initiatives will deepen innovation and technology collaboration across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, enabling better integration of the factors of production, including technology, capital, talent and materials, and maximizing the benefits of our connectivity with the mainland and the world.

In the financial sector, we are committed to solidifying and enhancing our strength as an international financial center. More importantly, while ensuring security and effective risk control, we will pursue a "Finance+" approach to empower a broad range of industries, accelerate innovation and technology development as well as commercialization, and enable finance to better serve the real economy in unleashing its potential. Specific priority areas include: improving financing support for technology start-ups and developing "patient capital"; strengthening Hong Kong's role as a premier offshore renminbi business hub; advancing green finance; and building a vibrant ecosystem for gold and commodities trading.

In preparing Hong Kong's 2026-27 Budget which was delivered recently, we had given deep thoughts to the trajectory and overarching macro direction of development from the 14th Five-Year Plan to the 15th Five-Year Plan. Our goal is to align Hong Kong's strengths proactively with the broader national development agenda. Against this backdrop, we set "AI+" and "Finance+" as the main themes. To meet the challenges brought by the rise of "AI+", we will roll out AI Training for All through multiple channels. Through partnership with local universities and professional bodies, we will provide structured AI skills training for working professionals across different age groups and sectors. This will ensure that our workforce can adapt to, and benefit from, future shifts in the economic structure. These initiatives represent our response to the national "AI Plus" initiative, while also securing for us an early advantage in technological competition and developing new quality productive forces. At the same time, they will help our working population adapt to and capture new job opportunities emerging from "AI+", bringing investment in technology closely together with investment in people.

The 15th Five-Year Plan sets a clear direction for Hong Kong's future and strengthens confidence across the community. It brings vast opportunities, and Hong Kong has much to contribute – and much to achieve. We need concerted efforts from the community, so that by better integrating into and serving the country's overall development, Hong Kong can secure even stronger growth for itself.

Paul Chan is the Financial Secretary of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government.

The Two Sessions of our country is being held in Beijing. Deputies and members have gathered to engage in active discussions on the draft outline of the National 15th Five-Year Plan and its core elements. From building a modern industrial system to developing a robust domestic market, and from expanding high-level opening up to solidly advancing rural revitalization across the board, the 15th Five-Year Plan maps out a panoramic blueprint for high-quality development. While holding profound significance to the building of a great country through Chinese modernization and the great cause of national rejuvenation, it serves as important ideological guidance for Hong Kong in seizing new development opportunities and opening up new horizons.

The current international landscape is fraught with turbulence and uncertainties, with geopolitics becoming increasingly complex and volatile, and global economic momentum slowing down. That said, under the strong leadership of the central government, our country has stood up to external challenges and pressure, maintained overall economic stability and progress. The outlook of our country, which always focuses on managing our own affairs well, remains highly promising in terms of policy consistency, technological innovation and integrated sustainability.

The intricate global landscape, compounded by regional conflicts, underscores an important message: To safeguard its strategic initiative amid accelerating changes unseen in a century, our country must be strong and prosperous, with great technological capability and economic strength. This also underlines the importance of understanding the strategic direction of the 15th Five-Year Plan, making it a guiding principle and aligning proactively with its strategies. Accordingly, we will press ahead with formulating and implementing Hong Kong's own five-year plan to drive the city towards high-quality development.

As an international hub for finance, shipping and trade, Hong Kong possesses a wealth of talent and enjoys the distinctive advantage of being backed by the motherland and connected to the world. During this golden strategic period under the 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is well placed to do even more. Thanks to its unique institutional strengths and international character under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework, Hong Kong has long served as a platform for and strategic partner of international investors entering the Chinese mainland market. We are also an ideal gateway for mainland enterprises to go global. Hong Kong can make positive contributions to the high-level opening up under the dual circulation strategy, in respect of leveraging the mainland's vast market and mobilizing international resources.

The country is striving to develop new quality productive forces and advance future industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), low-altitude economy and biomedicine. Hong Kong can fully leverage its international research platforms, professional services and capital markets, both to attract global innovation resources to the country and to inject fresh impetus into the local economy. We are advancing the development of the Northern Metropolis at full speed, with a particular focus on major projects such as the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone and the San Tin Technopole. These initiatives will deepen innovation and technology collaboration across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, enabling better integration of the factors of production, including technology, capital, talent and materials, and maximizing the benefits of our connectivity with the mainland and the world.

In the financial sector, we are committed to solidifying and enhancing our strength as an international financial center. More importantly, while ensuring security and effective risk control, we will pursue a "Finance+" approach to empower a broad range of industries, accelerate innovation and technology development as well as commercialization, and enable finance to better serve the real economy in unleashing its potential. Specific priority areas include: improving financing support for technology start-ups and developing "patient capital"; strengthening Hong Kong's role as a premier offshore renminbi business hub; advancing green finance; and building a vibrant ecosystem for gold and commodities trading.

In preparing Hong Kong's 2026-27 Budget which was delivered recently, we had given deep thoughts to the trajectory and overarching macro direction of development from the 14th Five-Year Plan to the 15th Five-Year Plan. Our goal is to align Hong Kong's strengths proactively with the broader national development agenda. Against this backdrop, we set "AI+" and "Finance+" as the main themes. To meet the challenges brought by the rise of "AI+", we will roll out AI Training for All through multiple channels. Through partnership with local universities and professional bodies, we will provide structured AI skills training for working professionals across different age groups and sectors. This will ensure that our workforce can adapt to, and benefit from, future shifts in the economic structure. These initiatives represent our response to the national "AI Plus" initiative, while also securing for us an early advantage in technological competition and developing new quality productive forces. At the same time, they will help our working population adapt to and capture new job opportunities emerging from "AI+", bringing investment in technology closely together with investment in people.

The 15th Five-Year Plan sets a clear direction for Hong Kong's future and strengthens confidence across the community. It brings vast opportunities, and Hong Kong has much to contribute – and much to achieve. We need concerted efforts from the community, so that by better integrating into and serving the country's overall development, Hong Kong can secure even stronger growth for itself.

Paul Chan is the Financial Secretary of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government.

The country is striving to develop new quality productive forces and advance future industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), low-altitude economy and biomedicine. Hong Kong can fully leverage its international research platforms, professional services and capital markets, both to attract global innovation resources to the country and to inject fresh impetus into the local economy. We are advancing the development of the Northern Metropolis at full speed, with a particular focus on major projects such as the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone and the San Tin Technopole. These initiatives will deepen innovation and technology collaboration across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, enabling better integration of the factors of production, including technology, capital, talent and materials, and maximizing the benefits of our connectivity with the mainland and the world.

In the financial sector, we are committed to solidifying and enhancing our strength as an international financial center. More importantly, while ensuring security and effective risk control, we will pursue a "Finance+" approach to empower a broad range of industries, accelerate innovation and technology development as well as commercialization, and enable finance to better serve the real economy in unleashing its potential. Specific priority areas include: improving financing support for technology start-ups and developing "patient capital"; strengthening Hong Kong's role as a premier offshore renminbi business hub; advancing green finance; and building a vibrant ecosystem for gold and commodities trading.

In preparing Hong Kong's 2026-27 Budget which was delivered recently, we had given deep thoughts to the trajectory and overarching macro direction of development from the 14th Five-Year Plan to the 15th Five-Year Plan. Our goal is to align Hong Kong's strengths proactively with the broader national development agenda. Against this backdrop, we set "AI+" and "Finance+" as the main themes. To meet the challenges brought by the rise of "AI+", we will roll out AI Training for All through multiple channels. Through partnership with local universities and professional bodies, we will provide structured AI skills training for working professionals across different age groups and sectors. This will ensure that our workforce can adapt to, and benefit from, future shifts in the economic structure. These initiatives represent our response to the national "AI Plus" initiative, while also securing for us an early advantage in technological competition and developing new quality productive forces. At the same time, they will help our working population adapt to and capture new job opportunities emerging from "AI+", bringing investment in technology closely together with investment in people.

The 15th Five-Year Plan sets a clear direction for Hong Kong's future and strengthens confidence across the community. It brings vast opportunities, and Hong Kong has much to contribute – and much to achieve. We need concerted efforts from the community, so that by better integrating into and serving the country's overall development, Hong Kong can secure even stronger growth for itself.

Paul Chan is the Financial Secretary of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government.

The Two Sessions of our country is being held in Beijing. Deputies and members have gathered to engage in active discussions on the draft outline of the National 15th Five-Year Plan and its core elements. From building a modern industrial system to developing a robust domestic market, and from expanding high-level opening up to solidly advancing rural revitalization across the board, the 15th Five-Year Plan maps out a panoramic blueprint for high-quality development. While holding profound significance to the building of a great country through Chinese modernization and the great cause of national rejuvenation, it serves as important ideological guidance for Hong Kong in seizing new development opportunities and opening up new horizons.

The current international landscape is fraught with turbulence and uncertainties, with geopolitics becoming increasingly complex and volatile, and global economic momentum slowing down. That said, under the strong leadership of the central government, our country has stood up to external challenges and pressure, maintained overall economic stability and progress. The outlook of our country, which always focuses on managing our own affairs well, remains highly promising in terms of policy consistency, technological innovation and integrated sustainability.

The intricate global landscape, compounded by regional conflicts, underscores an important message: To safeguard its strategic initiative amid accelerating changes unseen in a century, our country must be strong and prosperous, with great technological capability and economic strength. This also underlines the importance of understanding the strategic direction of the 15th Five-Year Plan, making it a guiding principle and aligning proactively with its strategies. Accordingly, we will press ahead with formulating and implementing Hong Kong's own five-year plan to drive the city towards high-quality development.

As an international hub for finance, shipping and trade, Hong Kong possesses a wealth of talent and enjoys the distinctive advantage of being backed by the motherland and connected to the world. During this golden strategic period under the 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is well placed to do even more. Thanks to its unique institutional strengths and international character under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework, Hong Kong has long served as a platform for and strategic partner of international investors entering the Chinese mainland market. We are also an ideal gateway for mainland enterprises to go global. Hong Kong can make positive contributions to the high-level opening up under the dual circulation strategy, in respect of leveraging the mainland's vast market and mobilizing international resources.

The country is striving to develop new quality productive forces and advance future industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), low-altitude economy and biomedicine. Hong Kong can fully leverage its international research platforms, professional services and capital markets, both to attract global innovation resources to the country and to inject fresh impetus into the local economy. We are advancing the development of the Northern Metropolis at full speed, with a particular focus on major projects such as the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone and the San Tin Technopole. These initiatives will deepen innovation and technology collaboration across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, enabling better integration of the factors of production, including technology, capital, talent and materials, and maximizing the benefits of our connectivity with the mainland and the world.

In the financial sector, we are committed to solidifying and enhancing our strength as an international financial center. More importantly, while ensuring security and effective risk control, we will pursue a "Finance+" approach to empower a broad range of industries, accelerate innovation and technology development as well as commercialization, and enable finance to better serve the real economy in unleashing its potential. Specific priority areas include: improving financing support for technology start-ups and developing "patient capital"; strengthening Hong Kong's role as a premier offshore renminbi business hub; advancing green finance; and building a vibrant ecosystem for gold and commodities trading.

In preparing Hong Kong's 2026-27 Budget which was delivered recently, we had given deep thoughts to the trajectory and overarching macro direction of development from the 14th Five-Year Plan to the 15th Five-Year Plan. Our goal is to align Hong Kong's strengths proactively with the broader national development agenda. Against this backdrop, we set "AI+" and "Finance+" as the main themes. To meet the challenges brought by the rise of "AI+", we will roll out AI Training for All through multiple channels. Through partnership with local universities and professional bodies, we will provide structured AI skills training for working professionals across different age groups and sectors. This will ensure that our workforce can adapt to, and benefit from, future shifts in the economic structure. These initiatives represent our response to the national "AI Plus" initiative, while also securing for us an early advantage in technological competition and developing new quality productive forces. At the same time, they will help our working population adapt to and capture new job opportunities emerging from "AI+", bringing investment in technology closely together with investment in people.

The 15th Five-Year Plan sets a clear direction for Hong Kong's future and strengthens confidence across the community. It brings vast opportunities, and Hong Kong has much to contribute – and much to achieve. We need concerted efforts from the community, so that by better integrating into and serving the country's overall development, Hong Kong can secure even stronger growth for itself.

Paul Chan is the Financial Secretary of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government.

The country is striving to develop new quality productive forces and advance future industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), low-altitude economy and biomedicine. Hong Kong can fully leverage its international research platforms, professional services and capital markets, both to attract global innovation resources to the country and to inject fresh impetus into the local economy. We are advancing the development of the Northern Metropolis at full speed, with a particular focus on major projects such as the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone and the San Tin Technopole. These initiatives will deepen innovation and technology collaboration across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, enabling better integration of the factors of production, including technology, capital, talent and materials, and maximizing the benefits of our connectivity with the mainland and the world.

In the financial sector, we are committed to solidifying and enhancing our strength as an international financial center. More importantly, while ensuring security and effective risk control, we will pursue a "Finance+" approach to empower a broad range of industries, accelerate innovation and technology development as well as commercialization, and enable finance to better serve the real economy in unleashing its potential. Specific priority areas include: improving financing support for technology start-ups and developing "patient capital"; strengthening Hong Kong's role as a premier offshore renminbi business hub; advancing green finance; and building a vibrant ecosystem for gold and commodities trading.

In preparing Hong Kong's 2026-27 Budget which was delivered recently, we had given deep thoughts to the trajectory and overarching macro direction of development from the 14th Five-Year Plan to the 15th Five-Year Plan. Our goal is to align Hong Kong's strengths proactively with the broader national development agenda. Against this backdrop, we set "AI+" and "Finance+" as the main themes. To meet the challenges brought by the rise of "AI+", we will roll out AI Training for All through multiple channels. Through partnership with local universities and professional bodies, we will provide structured AI skills training for working professionals across different age groups and sectors. This will ensure that our workforce can adapt to, and benefit from, future shifts in the economic structure. These initiatives represent our response to the national "AI Plus" initiative, while also securing for us an early advantage in technological competition and developing new quality productive forces. At the same time, they will help our working population adapt to and capture new job opportunities emerging from "AI+", bringing investment in technology closely together with investment in people.

The 15th Five-Year Plan sets a clear direction for Hong Kong's future and strengthens confidence across the community. It brings vast opportunities, and Hong Kong has much to contribute – and much to achieve. We need concerted efforts from the community, so that by better integrating into and serving the country's overall development, Hong Kong can secure even stronger growth for itself.

Paul Chan is the Financial Secretary of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government.

The Two Sessions of our country is being held in Beijing. Deputies and members have gathered to engage in active discussions on the draft outline of the National 15th Five-Year Plan and its core elements. From building a modern industrial system to developing a robust domestic market, and from expanding high-level opening up to solidly advancing rural revitalization across the board, the 15th Five-Year Plan maps out a panoramic blueprint for high-quality development. While holding profound significance to the building of a great country through Chinese modernization and the great cause of national rejuvenation, it serves as important ideological guidance for Hong Kong in seizing new development opportunities and opening up new horizons.

The current international landscape is fraught with turbulence and uncertainties, with geopolitics becoming increasingly complex and volatile, and global economic momentum slowing down. That said, under the strong leadership of the central government, our country has stood up to external challenges and pressure, maintained overall economic stability and progress. The outlook of our country, which always focuses on managing our own affairs well, remains highly promising in terms of policy consistency, technological innovation and integrated sustainability.

The intricate global landscape, compounded by regional conflicts, underscores an important message: To safeguard its strategic initiative amid accelerating changes unseen in a century, our country must be strong and prosperous, with great technological capability and economic strength. This also underlines the importance of understanding the strategic direction of the 15th Five-Year Plan, making it a guiding principle and aligning proactively with its strategies. Accordingly, we will press ahead with formulating and implementing Hong Kong's own five-year plan to drive the city towards high-quality development.

As an international hub for finance, shipping and trade, Hong Kong possesses a wealth of talent and enjoys the distinctive advantage of being backed by the motherland and connected to the world. During this golden strategic period under the 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is well placed to do even more. Thanks to its unique institutional strengths and international character under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework, Hong Kong has long served as a platform for and strategic partner of international investors entering the Chinese mainland market. We are also an ideal gateway for mainland enterprises to go global. Hong Kong can make positive contributions to the high-level opening up under the dual circulation strategy, in respect of leveraging the mainland's vast market and mobilizing international resources.

The country is striving to develop new quality productive forces and advance future industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), low-altitude economy and biomedicine. Hong Kong can fully leverage its international research platforms, professional services and capital markets, both to attract global innovation resources to the country and to inject fresh impetus into the local economy. We are advancing the development of the Northern Metropolis at full speed, with a particular focus on major projects such as the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone and the San Tin Technopole. These initiatives will deepen innovation and technology collaboration across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, enabling better integration of the factors of production, including technology, capital, talent and materials, and maximizing the benefits of our connectivity with the mainland and the world.

In the financial sector, we are committed to solidifying and enhancing our strength as an international financial center. More importantly, while ensuring security and effective risk control, we will pursue a "Finance+" approach to empower a broad range of industries, accelerate innovation and technology development as well as commercialization, and enable finance to better serve the real economy in unleashing its potential. Specific priority areas include: improving financing support for technology start-ups and developing "patient capital"; strengthening Hong Kong's role as a premier offshore renminbi business hub; advancing green finance; and building a vibrant ecosystem for gold and commodities trading.

In preparing Hong Kong's 2026-27 Budget which was delivered recently, we had given deep thoughts to the trajectory and overarching macro direction of development from the 14th Five-Year Plan to the 15th Five-Year Plan. Our goal is to align Hong Kong's strengths proactively with the broader national development agenda. Against this backdrop, we set "AI+" and "Finance+" as the main themes. To meet the challenges brought by the rise of "AI+", we will roll out AI Training for All through multiple channels. Through partnership with local universities and professional bodies, we will provide structured AI skills training for working professionals across different age groups and sectors. This will ensure that our workforce can adapt to, and benefit from, future shifts in the economic structure. These initiatives represent our response to the national "AI Plus" initiative, while also securing for us an early advantage in technological competition and developing new quality productive forces. At the same time, they will help our working population adapt to and capture new job opportunities emerging from "AI+", bringing investment in technology closely together with investment in people.

The 15th Five-Year Plan sets a clear direction for Hong Kong's future and strengthens confidence across the community. It brings vast opportunities, and Hong Kong has much to contribute – and much to achieve. We need concerted efforts from the community, so that by better integrating into and serving the country's overall development, Hong Kong can secure even stronger growth for itself.

Paul Chan is the Financial Secretary of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government.