14th Five-Year Plan shows central govt support of HK: official

The outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan (FYP) (2021-2025) for national economic and social development and the long-range objectives through the year 2035 (outline) showed staunch support and care towards Hong Kong from the central government, Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah, secretary for justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said on Sunday in a blog.

"The 14th Five-Year Plan provides a blueprint for the nation's social and economic development, whilst at the same time sets the scene for the future development of Hong Kong," Cheng said.

She noted that the Asian financial hub also has a unique role to play under the 14th FYP and it should use its strength to meet the needs of the country, as well as consolidate and foster its own development and that of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the country.

The outline proposed supporting Hong Kong's establishment as the center for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region, and a transformation of its service sector into a high value-added industry.

As she eyes future development, Cheng pledged more cooperation and exchange with the mainland in term of legal and dispute resolution services, nurturing more legal talents familiar with the legal systems of both places and beyond fields.

"Hong Kong is now ready to capitalize on its unique position under the 'One Country, Two Systems', thereby leveraging Hong Kong's advantages in order to meet the nation's needs and to create greater synergy," she said.