Hong Kong’s high-quality economic development will be guided by the first five-year blueprint and future policy speeches, with artificial intelligence (AI) as the “central plan”, the city’s leader said.
Speaking at the South China Morning Post’s China Conference 2026 on Tuesday, CEO John Lee Katju also said Hong Kong’s “one country, two systems” benefits and commitment to innovation and technology position the city to connect the world and opportunities in an AI-powered future.
“Hong Kong is recognized worldwide for its openness, deep international networks, and role as an important bridge between mainland China and the rest of the world.”
The theme of this year’s China conference is “Intelligence at Scale: Hong Kong’s Future with AI” and is primarily sponsored by Manulife.
The government launched a two-month public consultation on its first five-year plan last month and aims to publish the blueprint in the third quarter.
Mr Lee described the plan as a “historic milestone” and a strategic roadmap to align Hong Kong with the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan, which will guide Hong Kong’s development from 2026 to 2030.
He said the blueprint would outline the city’s vision for the northern metropolis, innovation and technological advancement, and the development of finance, shipping and trade.
