Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee pledged to accelerate development of the Northern Metropolis, calling the cross-border zone a new growth engine in his annual policy address on Wednesday.

Lee said he will chair a new committee overseeing the project, and promised to cut red tape, speed up construction, and introduce dedicated legislation.

The government will also roll out preferential policy packages to attract industries, create jobs, and lift productivity, he added.

Separately, Lee said Hong Kong will step up adoption of artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, pledging to reform government operations, coordinate departmental use, and promote safe, large-scale deployment in public services and business.

He added that the government will leverage Hong Kong's strengths in finance, trade, professional services, and supply chain management to expand its role as an international hub and strengthen the headquarters economy.