During his visit to the city in June last year, Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office director Xia Baolong stressed the importance of seizing opportunities at a critical stage of development, one underpinned by the stability and prosperity brought by the national security law introduced in 2020. As Xia wrapped up his two-day inspection tour on Wednesday, a new chapter is unfolding under the Hong Kong government’s unprecedented initiative to align the city’s development with national goals through its own five-year blueprint.

Xia’s latest visit has been fruitful. He checked in on the progress of the Northern Metropolis megaproject, the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone and the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute. He also visited the cargo terminal in Kwai Chung, the soon-to-open Huanggang Port facility and a light public housing site, which is an interim initiative as part of the government’s response to his call for an end to the problem of subdivided flats.

As Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong and Macau affairs, Xia is no stranger to the local community. This is his fourth visit to the Greater Bay Area this year, part of a national drive to turn Hong Kong, Macau and nine cities in neighbouring Guangdong province into an integrated economic and business hub. The visits reflect Beijing’s firm support for the city and the bay area’s economic development as well as concern for people’s livelihoods.

The timing of the latest visit is also significant. Arriving a day after the official launch of a public consultation on the five-year development plan, Xia received first-hand details on how the city aligns itself with the goals set out in the national blueprint.

The city’s development of a five-year plan should not be seen as the government shifting from free market operation to a planned economy. It is simply a strategic step to capitalise on the opportunities arising from the national five-year plan and make sure the city is on the right track to deliver the best for the community and the country.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said Xia recognised the government’s various initiatives, including the five-year plan. Lee also pledged to accelerate the Northern Metropolis project and expand the university town significantly, paving the way for it to further develop into a talent and research hub under the five-year- plan.