Business Chambers Urge Northern Metropolis, AI in Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan

Major business chambers have called for Hong Kong's inaugural five-year plan to prioritize the Northern Metropolis mega development, bolster the city's standing as an international financial center, and advance its artificial intelligence strategy.

These recommendations were submitted as part of the city's first five-year plan development. In other economic news, Hong Kong's first-half air passenger traffic increased by 11.7%. The city also logged over 2,100 investment scam cases in the first half of 2026, resulting in losses totaling HK$1.6 billion, according to police. Meanwhile, Hong Kong will fly national and regional flags at half-staff on Tuesday to mourn former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji.

The city's immigration chief, Benson Kwok Joon-fung, rejected claims that snooker players are using a local talent scheme mainly for tax reduction, suggesting Middle Eastern destinations would be more logical for tax avoidance. Scorching weather is expected to persist on Sunday and Monday, with temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius before thunderstorms arrive midweek. An aging society and widening income gap are identified as threats to Hong Kong's social fabric, with discussions ongoing about addressing these issues within the city's five-year plan.