University town to be fast-tracked, Eric Chan says after mainland China visit
Chief Secretary Eric Chan pledges accelerated development following guidance from Beijing officials.
Hong Kong's Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki has committed to accelerating the development of a major new university town following a strategic visit to mainland China. The announcement came after Chan and his Northern Metropolis planning delegation concluded a three-day tour that included a meeting with Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, who provided guidance on the project. Chan emphasized the working group would pursue "enhanced quality, speed, and efficiency" to align the initiative with China's national 15th five-year plan and support Hong Kong's integration into broader national development strategies.
The university town project represents a significant component of Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis development plan, designed to transform the northern territories into a innovation and technology hub. During their mainland visit, the delegation examined successful higher education developments and exchanged insights with experts to inform the project's "top-level design." Chan stated the initiative aims to foster "deep integration of Hong Kong's academic excellence with industry," using education as a catalyst for industrial advancement while attracting premier institutions from across the border and internationally to participate in the specialized academic zone.
- Project fast-tracked following guidance from Beijing's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office director
- Aligned with China's 15th five-year plan to integrate Hong Kong into national development
- Aims to attract top mainland and international institutions to Northern Metropolis hub
Why It Matters
Accelerates Hong Kong's transformation into an education and innovation hub, strengthening ties with mainland China's academic and industrial sectors.