AI ‘central plank’ in Hong Kong’s economic development, John Lee says Hong Kong’s high-quality economic development will be guided by its first five-year blueprint and the coming policy address, with artificial intelligence (AI) as the “central plank”, the city’s leader has said. Speaking at the South China Morning Post’s China Conference 2026 on Tuesday, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also said Hong Kong’s “one country, two systems” advantages and commitment to innovation and technology position the city to connect the world with opportunities in an AI-powered future. “Hong Kong is recognised worldwide for its openness, deep international networks and role as a vital bridge between mainland China and the rest of the world,” he said. This year’s China Conference, themed “Intelligence at Scale: Hong Kong’s AI-Powered Future”, is primarily sponsored by Manulife. The government last month launched a two-month public consultation on its first five-year plan, aiming to publish the blueprint in the third quarter. Lee described the plan as a “historic milestone” and a strategic road map aligning Hong Kong with the national 15th five-year plan, which will guide the country’s development from 2026 to 2030. He said the blueprint would outline the city’s vision for the Northern Metropolis, the advancement of innovation and technology, and the development of finance, shipping and trade. Lee also launched a public consultation for the final policy address of his five-year term, due in October. “The two documents will guide our high-quality economic progress and improve people’s livelihoods,” he said. “One obvious priority is further developing Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology centre. In that development, artificial intelligence is a central plank.” Lee highlighted the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster, ranked first among the world’s 100 leading innovation clusters in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Innovation Index. He said this reflected the Greater Bay Area’s strength in turning innovative ideas into market-ready outcomes. The Northern Metropolis, a 30,000-hectare (74,130-acre) megaproject near the mainland Chinese border, will provide ample space for innovation and research, he added. He also called on global businesses to establish a presence in the project, particularly at the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone, which hosts firms in life and health technology, AI and microelectronics. Lee noted government efforts to boost innovation and technology, including a HK$3 billion AI subsidy scheme that has supported nearly 30 projects, and the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute, set to begin operations in the second half of this year. Since 2022, 124 “strategic enterprises” – mainly in advanced manufacturing, new energy, AI and data science, fintech, and life and health technology – have established a presence in Hong Kong, according to Lee. These companies are expected to invest HK$73 billion (US$9.3 billion) and create around 25,000 jobs. “Their presence is drawing a wave of complementary businesses, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a global hub where innovation, investment and opportunities converge,” Lee said, adding that the city also enabled mainland companies to better connect with the world and allowed foreign investors to tap into the Chinese market. Lee added that InvestHK, the city’s investment promotion agency, assisted 560 mainland and overseas companies in setting up or expanding their businesses in Hong Kong, a 4 per cent increase year on year. He said the figure underscored Hong Kong’s role as a preferred location for regional headquarters and as a two-way bridge between the mainland and the world. “The Hong Kong government is determined to open up new opportunities for global business and talent,” he said. “We help them access, engage with and thrive in the Greater Bay Area and the Chinese mainland, with Hong Kong as their trusted gateway and strategic partner.” https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3359667/ai-central-plank-hong-kongs-economic-development-john-lee-says?pgtype=live (ICE HONG KONG)

Fonte notizia: South China Morning Post