Hong Kong to unveil first five-year plan and Policy Address on September 16

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has announced that the city’s first five-year plan will be unveiled at the Legislative Council on September 16. This strategic blueprint for economic and social development will be released on the same day as the 2026 Policy Address to ensure citizens can clearly understand the connection between long-term goals and annual implementation.

Legislative Council members have raised several priorities for the upcoming documents. Tang Ka-biu of the HKFTU emphasized the need for targets regarding housing proportions, building maintenance reforms, and elderly services, suggesting the establishment of a dedicated building maintenance authority.

Meanwhile, Kwon Ho-ming highlighted the urgency of Hong Kong’s aging population, noting that seniors may soon comprise nearly 40% of the population. He proposed that a high-ranking official, such as a Deputy Chief Secretary, should be appointed to coordinate aging-related issues across multiple policy bureaus. Recommendations included promoting age-friendly technology, expanding elderly housing options, and implementing ‘time banks’ to encourage community support for seniors.