On 22 May, the Chamber submitted its response to the Government’s Consultation on the Proposed Dedicated Legislation to Accelerate the Development of the Northern Metropolis, as led by the Real Estate and Infrastructure Committee.
The submission was based on members’ feedback and followed a closed-door engagement session with Pecvin Yong, Deputy Secretary for Development (Planning & Lands) 1, Development Bureau, held on 7 May, which provided an update on the latest planning and implementation progress of the Northern Metropolis (NM).
The Chamber fully supports the Government’s efforts to streamline statutory processes through the introduction of dedicated legislation. As a key pillar of Hong Kong’s development, the NM will play a vital role in advancing its long-term, high-quality socio-economic development under the National 15th Five-Year Plan. The flagship initiative is also strategically important in deepening Hong Kong’s integration with the Greater Bay Area while reinforcing the city’s position as an international financial and innovation hub.
As a major driver of Hong Kong’s growth, the NM will inject new economic momentum into the city. Once fully developed, it will accommodate over 2.5 million residents and provide about 650,000 jobs. Home to diverse habitats and natural resources, the plan prioritises seeking a balance between economic progress and conservation, enhancing environmental sustainability while preserving the region’s natural assets.
Given the scale and transformational significance of the NM, The Chamber welcomes the Government’s proposals, including those aimed at enhancing the efficiency of planning and land administration, accelerating construction timelines and facilitating smoother business operations. At the same time, the submission highlights several additional priorities for the Government’s consideration, including strengthening international promotion and investment attraction, expediting project delivery and enhancing governance, advancing innovation-ready infrastructure, leveraging AI to develop a smart metropolis, incorporating sustainability benchmarks, and cultivating and empowering the next generation of talent and stakeholders. It also underscores the importance of a comprehensive framework that ensures long-term commercial sustainability while balancing the interests of investors, operators and end-users of this transformative mega-project.