Leung Chun-ying: Understanding the "14th Five-Year Plan" should not be limited to the Hong Kong chapter; the central government values Hong Kong's functions and its advantages over other cities

During an interview in Beijing, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Leung Chun-ying, pointed out that the draft outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan cannot only focus on the chapters related to Hong Kong, and development should not be limited to the local area. He believes that the mainland, with its vast territory and rapid development, needs to gather the strengths of media, professional organizations, business associations, and social organizations to help Hong Kong's small and medium-sized enterprises better understand the opportunities brought by the national five-year plan, such as providing trade services for the mainland manufacturing industry, while also supporting the country's non-economic goals, including enhancing the dissemination, influence, and international discourse power of Chinese civilization.

He stated that the draft outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan not only proposes the "eight major centers" for Hong Kong but also further suggests supporting Hong Kong in building a commodity trading ecosystem and a high-value supply chain service center. The draft outlines relevant development directions, indicating that the central government values Hong Kong's functions, which are superior to those of other mainland cities.

Regarding concerns about Hong Kong following the mainland in formulating its first five-year plan, he believes it will not lead to Hong Kong losing its "one country, two systems" framework, and pointed out that the draft currently under review by the National People's Congress clearly states that the country adheres to the "one country, two systems" policy and supports the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions in actively aligning with the national development plan and integrating into and serving the overall national development.

He continued to say that the previous SAR government has also conducted long-term planning for land development, housing construction, and urban development, which will not be affected by changes in government. He believes that the planning can provide Hong Kong with development opportunities and momentum for the next five years and even longer