Hong Kong’s 2025 Policy Address: Key Highlights and Must-Takeaways

“Deepening Reforms for Our People, Leveraging Our Strengths for a Brighter Future,” this address emphasizes economic growth, governance reforms, and people’s livelihood.

Deepen Reforms and Committed to People’s Livelihood 🚀

• Focus on improving housing, income, elderly care, and youth prospects through economic growth.
• Shortened PRH waiting time by one year to 5.1 years; median household income up by $3,000 (11%).
• Accelerate Northern Metropolis development and attract industries for job creation.

Steadfastly Implement “One Country, Two Systems” and Strengthen Governance 🇨🇳

• Reaffirm “One Country, Two Systems” and safeguard national security.
• Commemorate 80th anniversary of WWII victory and promote patriotic education.
• Establish Heads of Department Accountability System and AI Efficacy Enhancement Team.

Accelerate the Development of the Northern Metropolis 🏗️

• Set up Committee on Development of Northern Metropolis with three working groups.
• Remove barriers, introduce dedicated legislation, and expedite Loop and San Tin Technopole.
• Expedite transport infrastructure like Northern Link Spur Line.

Industry Development and Reform 💼

• Formulate preferential packages to attract enterprises in aircraft recycling, life/health tech, new energy, AI.
• Promote AI research, capital mobilization, data advantages, and applications.

Integrate into the Overall National Development 🌏

• “Bringing in and Going Global”: Position HK as platform for Mainland enterprises’ overseas expansion.
• Deepen international exchanges and GBA development with measures like Cross-boundary Credit Referencing.

Consolidate Hong Kong’s Status as an International Hub 🌐

• Strengthen financial centre with stock, bond, currency, gold markets, fintech, green finance.
• Enhance trade, shipping, aviation, legal/dispute resolution hubs.

Promote the Integrated Development of Education, Technology and Talents 🎓

• Build international education hub: Relax self-financing student admissions, increase hostels.
• Advance I&T centre: Improve infrastructure, new industrialisation, low-altitude economy, IP trading.
• Nurture talents: Youth development, talent admission policies.

Promote the Integrated Development of Culture, Sports and Tourism 🎭

• East-meets-West cultural exchange: Develop arts trading hub, WKCD diversity.
• “Tourism is Everywhere”: Yacht economy, mega events, ecology tours, halal certification.
• Promote sports: National Games, venue synergy, NSA governance.

Facilitate Stable Living in a Caring and Inclusive Society 🏠

• Increase housing supply, enrich ladder with HOS/GSH enhancements.
• Land development: Build reserve, reduce costs, urban renewal.
• Enhance transport, healthcare, green living, local economy support, labour protection.
• Social welfare: Poverty alleviation, elderly care, carer support, ethnic minorities.

Closing Remarks 🌟

• Hong Kong’s transition from stability to prosperity amid challenges and opportunities.
• Emphasize unity, innovation, and reform for a brighter future.

Must-Takeaways: Key Initiatives at a Glance

Overall, this Policy Address signals a proactive, reform-driven approach to propel Hong Kong forward. Stay tuned for more updates as these initiatives roll out!