ETFOptimize | High-performance ETF-based Investment Strategies

Quantitative strategies, Wall Street-caliber research, and insightful market analysis since 1998.


ETFOptimize | HOME
Close Window

Policy Address by Hong Kong SAR’s Chief Executive John Lee: Expediting the Northern Metropolis development to expand capacity for growth, innovation and talent

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 September 2025 - Speeding up the large-scale Northern Metropolis development was a central theme of the 2025 Policy Address announced by Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, on September 17, including measures to reduce construction costs and time, promote market participation, encourage enterprises to set up and invest in the area, and reduce the cost of land premiums by adopting a "pay for what you build" approach.

"The Northern Metropolis is the new engine for Hong Kong's economic development and holds immense potential," Mr Lee said.

image-1.jpeg

To fast-track development and raise the level of decision‑making, the Chief Executive said he would establish the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis under his leadership.

"The committee will be tasked with streamlining administrative workflows and removing unnecessary barriers and restrictions," Mr Lee said. Under the committee, three working groups will be set up:

- Working Group on Devising Development and Operation Models to formulate development and operation models for industry parks and devise a range of financing schemes
- Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town to study the development mode for the Northern Metropolis University Town
- Working Group on Planning and Development responsible for managing the end‑to‑end process from planning to implementation.

"We very much look forward to public-private partnerships," said the Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, who will lead the Working Group on Devising Development and Operation Models. "I would say it would be an evolving process depending on the market interest as well as our implementation timetable."

Dedicated legislation will be introduced to empower the Government to devise simplified statutory procedures for accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis.

Within the Northern Metropolis, the San Tin Technopole, spanning some 210 hectares of land for innovation and technology (I&T), will serve as a strategic base for the I&T industry.

The Chief Executive said the Government will publish the Conceptual Outline of the Development Plan for the I&T Industry in the San Tin Technopole this year. It will cover top‑level planning, industry positioning and layout, the co‑ordinated development of land parcels, and the strategies for channelling market resources to invest in the development.

With the Northern Metropolis bordering the Chinese Mainland, it also fosters cross-boundary collaboration within the Hetao Shenzhen‑Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co‑operation Zone, comprising Shenzhen Park and Hong Kong Park. "Leveraging the advantages of "one zone, two parks", the Co‑operation Zone will promote collaboration between the two parks in the development of I&T," Mr Lee said.

image-1.jpeg

The Policy Address also outlined plans to build an international education hub by promoting the integrated development of education, technology and talents as a foundational and strategic pillar for progress in the new era.

"We will accelerate construction of the Northern Metropolis University Town, promote the 'Study in Hong Kong' brand, develop universities of applied sciences (UASs), and propel our city towards becoming an international hub for post‑secondary education and high‑calibre talents," Mr Lee said.

With a distinctive competitive edge in post‑secondary education, Hong Kong is the only city worldwide that hosts five universities ranked among the world's top 100. Universities in Hong Kong are highly popular, with a double‑digit year‑on‑year increase in the number of self‑financing non‑local applicants. As such, the Chief Executive announced that the number of non‑funded places for non‑local students to study in funded post-secondary institutions in Hong Kong on a self‑financing basis will be permitted to increase from the level currently equivalent to 40% of local student places to 50%. The Government will also earmark new sites (zoned as commercial or otherwise) this year for building new hostels, and will invite the market to submit expressions of interest.

The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, said in a press conference today (September 19) that the adjustment in enrolment ceiling for self-financing non-local students supports post-secondary institutions in expanding their scale, enhancing quality, fostering a more international and diverse campus environment, thereby further developing Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education.

Furthermore, the Education Bureau will establish the Task Force on Study in Hong Kong, to step up the promotion of higher education in Hong Kong.

The Government will also forge ahead with building a competitive low‑altitude economy ecosystem, to propel Hong Kong as an Asia‑Pacific hub for innovative low‑altitude applications.

"We will formulate the Action Plan on Developing Low‑altitude Economy to advance Hong Kong as a major hub for low‑altitude applications through institutional innovations and technological breakthroughs," Mr Lee said.

The Government will regularise the operation of more mature application scenarios, and roll out the advanced low‑altitude economy "Regulatory Sandbox X" pilot projects to cover application scenarios that are technically more complex, such as cross‑boundary routes and passenger‑carrying, low‑altitude aircraft.

"We will also promote the development of new industrialisation, press ahead with the low‑altitude economy, support people‑oriented scientific research, and facilitate leading I&T enterprises to establish a presence in our city," Mr Lee added.








Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #policyaddress #growth #innovation #talent






The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.


 

IntelligentValue Home
Close Window

DISCLAIMER

All content herein is issued solely for informational purposes and is not to be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor should it be interpreted as a recommendation to buy, hold or sell (short or otherwise) any security.  All opinions, analyses, and information included herein are based on sources believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, is made including but not limited to any representation or warranty concerning accuracy, completeness, correctness, timeliness or appropriateness. We undertake no obligation to update such opinions, analysis or information. You should independently verify all information contained on this website. Some information is based on analysis of past performance or hypothetical performance results, which have inherent limitations. We make no representation that any particular equity or strategy will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those shown. Shareholders, employees, writers, contractors, and affiliates associated with ETFOptimize.com may have ownership positions in the securities that are mentioned. If you are not sure if ETFs, algorithmic investing, or a particular investment is right for you, you are urged to consult with a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). Neither this website nor anyone associated with producing its content are Registered Investment Advisors, and no attempt is made herein to substitute for personalized, professional investment advice. Neither ETFOptimize.com, Global Alpha Investments, Inc., nor its employees, service providers, associates, or affiliates are responsible for any investment losses you may incur as a result of using the information provided herein. Remember that past investment returns may not be indicative of future returns.

Copyright © 1998-2017 ETFOptimize.com, a publication of Optimized Investments, Inc. All rights reserved.