Xia Baolong Concludes Two-Day Hong Kong Inspection Tour, Affirms SAR Government’s Efforts

Xia Baolong, Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, wrapped up a two-day inspection visit to Hong Kong on June 17. The visit focused on the city’s alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and progress on major development initiatives, particularly the Northern Metropolis.

In the morning, Xia visited the new Huanggang Port, which is currently under construction and undergoing internal fitting-out and equipment installation. He then inspected the Kwai Chung COSCO International Container Terminal before attending a lunch at Government House.

In the afternoon, Xia departed Hong Kong via the Shenzhen Bay Port. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu saw him off, and the two engaged in a brief conversation. Lee’s office presented Xia with a photo album documenting the visit. The two men reviewed the album together before shaking hands again. Xia gave a thumbs-up to Lee, waved to the media, and made a fist-and-palm gesture of thanks.

Accompanying officials, including Vice Director Xu Qifang of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office and Central Liaison Office Director Zhou Ji, also bid farewell before departing with Xia.

At a media briefing afterward, Chief Executive John Lee expressed heartfelt gratitude to Xia for the inspection, guidance, and valuable advice. Lee said Xia provided four key affirmations regarding the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government’s work: its determination and progress in formulating Hong Kong’s first five-year plan, efforts in safeguarding national security, economic development, and advancements in science, technology, and innovation.

Lee highlighted several areas of strong support from Xia. These included the role of modular integrated construction public housing, also known as simplified or light public housing, in addressing urgent housing needs. Xia visited a family living in such housing and expressed pleasant surprise at the facilities. Xia also praised the government’s utilisation of facilities in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Co-operation Zone in the Loop, where Hong Kong is retaining hospital services and expanding access to specialist care such as MRI and CT scans for the benefit of residents.

Xia further endorsed the development of the Northern Metropolis as a major new growth engine for Hong Kong, including projects in areas such as Kwu Tung North, which will provide better living and development space for citizens. He also supported transforming the university town into a broader University District spanning up to 1,000 hectares, with an emphasis on integrating industry, academia, research, living, and urban development for higher-quality growth.

Lee noted that Xia reviewed the SAR government’s progress on the five-year plan, describing it as a strategic, directional, guiding, and actionable document. Xia urged Hong Kong to seize the rich opportunities presented by the National 15th Five-Year Plan. He encouraged the inclusion of key performance indicators and regular progress updates in future Policy Addresses, in line with national practices.

Lee outlined four main takeaways from the visit. First, the government will fully commit to the five-year plan and accelerate Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology centre. Second, it will further speed up construction of the Northern Metropolis. Third, it will adopt the University District approach for university town development. Fourth, it will accelerate development of the Hong Kong Park in the Loop.

Regarding the new Huanggang Port, Lee confirmed that the main structure is largely complete. Once the National People’s Congress Standing Committee authorises Hong Kong’s jurisdiction over the port area, expected in late June, local legislation for co-location customs clearance will follow. Both governments are working expeditiously toward the port’s opening.