Policy Address
Chapter IX Closing Remarks
444. Through the concerted efforts of the HKSAR Government and all sectors of the community, Hong Kong has repeatedly scaled new heights in global rankings over the past four years. We have been consistently ranked the world's freest economy and have risen to become second in world competitiveness. We are the world's number three international financial centre and have jumped to fourth globally in talent competitiveness.
445. These objective rankings clearly demonstrate our development potential, promising outlook and the international community's confidence in Hong Kong. They also underline Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability under "One Country, Two Systems". We continue to make progress, with confidence but without conceit.
446. Today, Hong Kong is at a critical juncture in advancing from stability to prosperity. We are fully aware that formulating a comprehensive, strategic roadmap is integral to our long-term development. The Government has been persistent in mapping our way by driving development through reform. The primary goal of our policies is to enable economic development that can benefit the people of Hong Kong, and meet their aspirations for a better life.
447. Against the backdrop of accelerating global changes not seen in a century, there has been a profound shift in the global political and economic landscape. The next five years will be a crucial period for our country to advance Chinese modernisation. At the same time, it will also be a golden window for Hong Kong to achieve development of higher quality. The National 15th Five-Year Plan leverages the certainty of high-quality development to counter the uncertainties arising from the rapidly changing external environment, opening up boundless opportunities for Hong Kong.
448. The First Five-Year Plan of Hong Kong maps out the blueprint for how we can proactively align ourselves with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This Policy Address, meanwhile, serves as the action agenda to propel the implementation of our own Five-Year Plan. It sets out our key policy priorities and major projects formulated in response to economic outlook and dynamics, such that we can seize both national and international opportunities. Deeply rooted in the same vision, the two documents are interconnected and inextricably related.
449. "One day the roc will rise with the wind, soaring ninety thousand miles up into the sky." At this juncture in history, I believe that, with the solid backing of our country, together with our good minds and hardworking hands, we can ensure that the fruits of our efforts reach and enrich each and every family, building Hong Kong, our home, into a better, more prosperous place to live and flourish.