Policy Address

Chapter III    Accelerate the Development of the Northern Metropolis

43. The Northern Metropolis, our city's strategic development area bordering Shenzhen, covers a land area and planned population intake accounting for about one-third of Hong Kong's total. It therefore represents a substantial source of economic value and development potential, creating many jobs and boosting productivity. While the Government has been accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis for the past three years, I remain deeply concerned about its progress, given the sheer size of the area and the magnitude of the investment required.

44. To further develop our economy and improve people's livelihood, we must speed up the Northern Metropolis development. Accordingly, I have decided to raise the level of decision-making by establishing the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis³ under my leadership. The committee will be tasked with streamlining administrative workflows and removing unnecessary barriers and restrictions. Embracing a new mind-set, we will adopt safe, cost-efficient, and time-saving construction methods, materials, and equipment from different jurisdictions. We will also introduce dedicated legislation to accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis.