China’s Two Sessions and 15th Five-Year Plan
Several of the Chamber’s General Committee who were in Beijing for the Two Sessions in Beijing earlier this month shared their key takeaways during a high-profile briefing on 24 March.
Chairman Agnes Chan outlined three key roles that Hong Kong can play as the HKSAR Government prepares its first five-year development plan, describing it as a vital opportunity to align with national priorities. These include innovation and technology infrastructure connectivity, regulatory alignment, and two-way opening-up. She also underscored the importance of regional clusters in strengthening Hong Kong’s role within the broader national landscape.
Former Chairman YK Pang highlighted priorities in industrial modernization, emerging sectors, such as artificial intelligence and aerospace, and a growing emphasis on service consumption.
Vice Chairman Douglas Woo noted that the Central Government is adopting a more people-centric approach, with a focus on sustainable development and improving quality of life in rural areas.
Vice Chairman PC Yu offered insights from the Government Work Report, pointing to Beijing’s emphasis on building “high-level technological self-reliance.” While the annual GDP target for 2030 is yet to be finalized, he noted that the 4.5%-5% benchmark for 2026 provides a critical reference for long-term development planning.
Legislative Councilor Nick Chan provided an overview of three key national legislations: the Ecological and Environmental Code, the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, and the National Development Planning Law.
2026/03/24