Hong Kong unveils first five-year plan to cement position as global financial hub

Hong ⁠Kong leader ​John Lee unveiled the city's first five-year plan on Wednesday, aiming to boost residents' livelihoods and cement its position ​as a global financial hub, while beefing up technology ties with the mainland. The sweeping plan, which follows two months of government consultations with lawmakers and residents, spans areas from the economy and investment to land, homes, jobs, education and health. The ​plan envisages ‌speeding development of the 30,000-hectare (116-sq-mile) Northern Metropolis, near the mainland China border, as a ⁠new growth engine, bolstering technological links and ties with the mainland to add jobs and homes. When complete, Lee said, it would be ideal for ‌living, work and travel, "further boosting Hong Kong’s overall competitiveness and momentum for sustainable development". The strategy ⁠comes after Beijing approved a national five-year plan in March for the years to 2030, in China's latest typical exercise laying out an official road map for social and economic development. The ​Hong Kong plan's five major objectives include solidifying its financial, maritime and trade ‌areas, accelerating efforts in information and technology and strengtheni...