Core Points - The Hong Kong government is accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis, establishing a dedicated committee led by Chief Executive John Lee to streamline administrative processes and enhance resource allocation [1][2] - The Northern Metropolis is expected to become a key area for urban construction and population growth over the next 20 years, with an estimated future population of around 2.5 million, accounting for one-third of Hong Kong's total population [2][5] - The region will enhance collaboration with the Greater Bay Area, particularly with Shenzhen and Guangzhou, improving technological and industrial integration [2][3] Group 1: Development Plans - The Northern Metropolis will be managed by a committee with three working groups focusing on development models, university city planning, and comprehensive planning and execution [1] - The area covers approximately one-third of Hong Kong's total land area, including developed towns and new development zones [1] Group 2: Economic Impact - The Northern Metropolis is viewed as a strategic development area with significant economic value and potential, aiming to address Hong Kong's spatial and resource constraints [2] - The establishment of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park is a key project, with the first phase already completed and various industries, including health tech and AI, set to establish a presence [2] Group 3: Population and Infrastructure - The government anticipates that the Northern Metropolis will house about 2.5 million residents by the end of 2024, based on current population statistics [5] - Infrastructure improvements will include simplified administrative measures and a phased development model to reduce costs and construction time [5]

Core Viewpoint - The Northern Metropolis (North Metropolis) is seen as a new engine for Hong Kong's future development and a key node for integrating into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the national development framework [1][2]. Group 1: Development Plans and Goals - The Northern Metropolis encompasses Yuen Long and North District, covering approximately 300 square kilometers, which is about one-third of Hong Kong's total area, with an expected future residential population also accounting for one-third of Hong Kong [2]. - The Hong Kong government aims to accelerate land development and housing construction in the Northern Metropolis, with around 60,000 housing units expected to be completed in the next five years, and an additional 150,000 units in the following five years, along with over 10 million square meters of floor area for economic use [2][3]. - The Northern Metropolis is expected to contribute approximately HKD 52 billion annually to Hong Kong's economy once fully developed [2]. Group 2: Infrastructure and Connectivity - The Northern Metropolis will feature key infrastructure projects, including the Northern Link, with the first station expected to open in 2027 and the main line projected to be operational by 2034 [3]. - Cross-border railway projects between Hong Kong and Shenzhen are underway, with plans for detailed design and research to commence within the year [3]. Group 3: Strategic Importance and Collaboration - The Northern Metropolis is positioned as a bridge for cooperation between Hong Kong and mainland China, with Shenzhen expected to gain significant development opportunities [6]. - The area is divided into four major zones: high-end professional services and logistics hub, innovation and technology zone, port commerce and industry zone, and a blue-green recreational tourism ecosystem, all of which are strategically connected to Shenzhen's districts [7]. - The government is exploring ways to attract Shenzhen capital for investment in the Northern Metropolis, including the development of a university town and a technology city [8].