New constitutional affairs chief Janice Tse to lead Hong Kong’s first 5-year plan
Former environment permanent secretary appointed to post after city leader John Lee nominated her, citing Tse’s 38 years in government
Retired civil servant Janice Tse Siu-wa has been appointed the new secretary for constitutional and mainland affairs, with her top priority being the formulation of Hong Kong’s first five-year plan.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Monday that he had nominated the 61-year-old Tse to the State Council because of her strong passion for the five-year plan and capability, stemming from her 38 years of working for the government.
“The first local five-year plan must be formulated within this year; the time is tight, while the workload is heavy,” he said.
“I found secretary Tse the best candidate because she has a solid foundation for communication and cooperation across different bureaus following many years of working in the government, and has built a good network with the Legislative Council and different sectors of society … I am confident she can help yield twice the result with half the effort.”
Lee added that Tse also participated in the implementation of the nation’s 14th five-year plan, covering 2021 to 2025, while serving as the director of home affairs and then as permanent secretary for environment and ecology.
Tse, who retired in January last year, said she had been carefully watching developments in the city because her “heart is closely attached to Hong Kong”.