Hong Kong Unveils New Policy Address to Drive Development and Enhance Social Well-being

Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee unveiled his fifth Policy Address on September 16, outlining measures to drive development and enhance social well-being in the city. The address takes the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) as its blueprint, focusing on five major development opportunities.

To attract high-calibre talent, the government will expedite the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town to strengthen Hong Kong's position as an international education hub. The HKSAR Government will also increase research postgraduate places by around 30% and establish five new academies for training international talent.

The policy address proposes to accelerate development of an international gold trading market, exploring tax concessions for qualifying activities within the gold and commodity trading ecosystem. The government will also announce details of new Renminbi-denominated and physically settled gold futures contracts and explore increasing the Exchange Fund's gold holdings.