LegCo holds seminar on National 14th Five-Year Plan (with photos)

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) held a seminar on Seizing the opportunities from the National 14th Five-Year Plan, integrating into the "dual circulation" development paradigm today (August 23) in the Dining Hall of the LegCo Complex. Relevant Central Government officials explained to Members about the "Outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development of the People's Republic of China and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035" (the 14th Five-Year Plan) and exchanged views with Members on the long-term development of the country and Hong Kong. In his opening remarks, the President of the LegCo, Mr Andrew Leung, said it was the first time for the leaders of the Central Authorities and the experts of the national think tanks paying a visit to the LegCo and conducting in-depth discussions with Members on the long-term development of the country and Hong Kong, which was particularly meaningful.

     The Central Government officials who attended the seminar were the Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Huang Liuquan; and the experts of the delegation, including the Director of the Finance Research Institute of the People's Bank of China, Mr Zhou Chengjun; the Deputy Director of the Department of Development Planning of the National Development and Reform Commission, Mr Hu Zhaohui; the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Research Commercialization and Regional Innovation of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr Huang Shengbiao. The Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr He Jing, also attended the seminar. 

     The seminar focused on the relationship between Hong Kong and the 14th Five-Year Plan, the role of Hong Kong in complementing the implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan, as well as the opportunities arising from the 14th Five-Year Plan that Hong Kong could grasp to reinforce and enhance its competitive edge. 

     Mr Leung said, "The 14th Five-Year Plan maps out the development blueprint and action agenda for the country in the next five years. It contains dedicated chapters outlining the strategies to support the development of Hong Kong, which highlights the importance that the Central Government attaches to Hong Kong. The coverage of Hong Kong is noticeably more extensive than before, which includes revitalisation of the economy as well as social and livelihood issues. It echoes the Central Government's principle of putting people's interest first. Under the "one country, two systems", the development of Hong Kong and the country are intertwined and inseparable, while the country's support for Hong Kong has been firm and uninterrupted." 

     Mr Leung continued, "This year marks the beginning of the implementation of the National 14th Five-Year Plan. How Hong Kong can seize the opportunities arising from the 14th Five-Year Plan, integrate into the "dual circulation" development paradigm and proactively take forward the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area are the key priorities of the HKSAR Government. As the legislature of HKSAR, LegCo has a unique constitutional role in driving, monitoring and complementing the Government in the effective implementation of these key initiatives."

     A total of 35 Members attended the seminar at which Members raised questions to the experts of the delegation on various aspects, such as the development of Renminbi businesses and the cooperation between the Mainland and Hong Kong over the innovation and technology industry. 

     After the seminar, Mr Leung met with the press and said, "Members have benefited a lot from today's seminar. They not only gain a deeper understanding of the overall strategy of the national development, but also reflect on how Hong Kong can seize the opportunities arising from the 14th Five-Year Plan. I believe in future they can make recommendations in a broader perspective to the Government in order to push forward and monitor the Government in implementing initiatives to integrate the "dual circulation" paradigm, while exerting influence to promote social consensus and to explore the way forward for Hong Kong." 

     Mr Leung also expressed gratitude to the members of the delegation attending the seminar. He said, "The delegation dedicated to pay a visit to LegCo amid their tight visiting schedule in Hong Kong, demonstrating that the Central Government attaches great importance to the role and work of LegCo. As the COVID-19 epidemic is gradually stabilising, I hope that Members can visit the Mainland again more frequently and exchange views on issues of mutual concern with relevant officials."