Despite recent China-US summits, great-power rivalry persists, fragmenting global flows. China's 15th five-year plan emphasizes high-quality development, tech self-reliance, and domestic consumption. Hong Kong, under "one country, two systems," can leverage its position as a "superconnector" and global hub for finance, tech, and culture.
Hong Kong is poised to become Asia's multilateral hub, moving beyond its 'Asia's World City' status. This opportunity arises as global governance architecture shifts, with the US withdrawing from multilateral roles and China stepping into leadership. UN agencies are decentralizing, relocating positions from traditional hubs to new locations like Germany, Spain, Bangkok, Nairobi, and Dubai, creating a vacuum Hong Kong can fill.
Hong Kong's government will release its first five-year plan in Q3, aiming to align with national development goals. Officials stated it's a strategic guide, not a shift to a planned economy, and will complement existing budgets and policy addresses.
Hong Kong's constitutional affairs chief announced a new five-year development blueprint, set for release in Q3. The plan aims to align the city with national development goals and will focus on innovation, technology, and the Northern Metropolis project, while officials assure it complements, not replaces, the free market.
Hong Kong's first five-year plan, set to be finalized by end of 2026, will focus on economic upgrading, leveraging AI for job creation, and promoting inclusive development. Public consultation begins Monday.
Hampstead Heath bathing ponds will remain trans-inclusive after a public consultation overwhelmingly favored existing rules. Despite a Supreme Court ruling on biological sex, the City of London Corporation will allow transgender women access to the Ladies' pond and trans men to the Men's pond.
The Indian Centre has released draft rules for the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB–G RAM G). Public consultation is open until July 1, aiming for a smooth nationwide rollout of the new rural employment guarantee scheme, which will replace MGNREGA.
A Belfast City Council survey shows 82% of residents favor extending Sunday trading hours. The proposal, which could boost tourism for events like Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, faces opposition from trade unions.
Lau Siu-kai advises Hong Kong to learn from mainland China's public consultation methods for its upcoming five-year plan, emphasizing the need for broad-based engagement beyond a publicity blitz.
Hong Kong government to launch consultation exercise in June, with focus on aligning local policies with China's 15th five-year plan
Entain wants no operators unlicensed in UK as sponsorsTwo clubs did not advertise such companies this seasonThe Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has been urged to stop Premier League clubs from accepting sponsorship from gambling companies unlicensed in the UK in the latest public consultation over its licensing regime.Entain, the global sports betting company that owns Ladbrokes and Coral, has submitted a response to the IFR asking for a clarification of its guidance that would prevent clubs from doing commercial deals with operators unlicensed in the UK. Continue reading...
Hong Kong's Competition Commission launched a public consultation on food delivery platform Keeta's proposed commitments to ensure fair market competition. Backed by Meituan, Keeta offered three commitments under Section 60 of the Competition Ordinance: simplifying restaurant migration to multi-platform models, allowing partnerships with smaller platforms without losing incentives, and removing clauses preventing restaurants from offering lower prices on rival platforms.
Hong Kong authorities will launch a public consultation on new fire safety requirements and offences with severe penalties following the city's deadliest blaze in decades. Key proposals include elevating administrative measures like six-month alarm bell tests to legal requirements and increasing the maximum penalty for unauthorized fire equipment handling and false certificates from HK$50,000 to HK$3 million plus three years' imprisonment. The bill is targeted for submission to the Legislative Council by the end of 2026.
Hong Kong's government will launch a public consultation this quarter on the city's first five-year plan aligned with China's 15th five-year plan (2026-2030). Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the blueprint would bring abundant development opportunities and enhanced competitiveness. Under the national plan, Hong Kong has been tasked with building a commodity trading ecosystem, a high-quality supply chain service centre, and a global hub for high-end talent.
