Hong Kong leader hails New Territories Rural Advisory Committee centenary, backs Northern Territories development
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee praised the New Territories Rural Advisory Committee on its 100th anniversary, pledging to deepen cooperation on the accelerated Northern Territories development, which aims to integrate with the Greater Bay Area and boost innovation.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee on Friday praised the New Territories Rural Advisory Committee on its 100th anniversary, vowing to strengthen ties as the government accelerates development of the Northern Territories, a region covering one-third of Hong Kong's land.
Speaking at a centenary dinner in Hong Kong, Lee said the committee, founded in 1926, has long served as a key bridge between the government and residents of the New Territories, upholding principles of patriotism and service to the community. He acknowledged the group's contributions to the territory's stability and prosperity.
Lee highlighted the government's recently announced first five-year plan, which prioritises building the Northern Territories into a platform for deeper integration with the Greater Bay Area and a new engine for productivity growth. The plan targets development of a university town, science parks, and the Hong Kong section of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Zone.
The chief executive outlined four goals for the Northern Territories: university town, technology, industry, and a liveable, workable and visitable environment. He said the government aims to create an innovation ecosystem through collaboration among industrial parks, universities and research institutions, integrating education, technology and talent.
Lee called on the Rural Advisory Committee to play three roles in the Northern Territories development: continue to serve as a communication bridge between the government and village communities, promote urban-rural integration while preserving rural heritage, and unite residents to support government plans.
“Century-old local ties have laid the foundation of the New Territories; today's Northern Territories will write a new chapter for Hong Kong,” Lee said, expressing confidence that the committee will help turn the development opportunities into tangible benefits for residents.
