RTHK English
The two-month public consultation on Hong Kong's first five-year plan will commence on Monday, Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday. The move comes after he said this year the SAR would have its own development policy framework that is in line with the nation's and hoped to unveil it by the end of this year. Speaking ahead of the weekly Executive Council meeting, Lee said the plan would allow the SAR to seize more opportunities that arise from national strategies and development initiatives while also helping Hong Kong better integrate with and contribute to the country's overall development. The plan, he added, would continue to uphold principles that have underpinned the city's success, including "One Country, Two Systems" and "patriots administering Hong Kong" while aiming to develop the economy and improve people's livelihoods. "We will focus on livelihood issues that are of greatest concern to the public to enhance their sense of fulfilment and happiness," Lee said. "Secondly, we will better integrate an active government with an efficient market, with the government playing a leading role in stimulating market creativity and competitiveness. "The effective integration of these two elements will serve as a powerful driving force for Hong Kong's high-quality development." Lee also said the policy blueprint would serve as a forward-looking and strategic document and that the annual Policy Address would align with and respond to what is outlined. The public consultation document will be uploaded to a dedicated website while copies of it will be distributed at various designated locations. A series of consultation events will also be organised to gather feedback from lawmakers, industry representatives as well as the public, Lee said. The government, he said, hopes to listen to views from the community and take public sentiment into account as a way to do its utmost in formulating the plan so as to serve the interests of the general public. Edited by Tony Sabine
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星島頭條 
South China Morning Post 
