HONG KONG — The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) has welcomed Hong Kong SAR’s inaugural five-year plan and the 2026 Policy Address, both of which outline policy initiatives to support the sustainable development of the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK).

Bernard Charnwut Chan, chairman of the WKCDA Board, said on Wednesday that the authority supports the five-year plan’s blueprint for long-term development, which sets a clear direction for Hong Kong’s “Four Centres and One Hub” strategy.

The plan, Chan said, reflects the government’s determination to accelerate Hong Kong’s transformation into an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange, and to advance the integrated development of the culture, sports, and tourism industries.

“The Policy Address reaffirms WestK as a significant strategic cultural infrastructure investment in Hong Kong and supports WestK in fostering international cultural exchange and promoting the development of the cultural industry,” he said.

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The five-year plan also recognizes WestK’s role in building a premium arts trading hub, according to the WKCDA.

Upon the opening of the WestK Performing Arts Centre in 2027, a total of 10 performing arts venues will establish WestK as an international theatre hub, broadening the scope for the arts and creative industries, said the WKCDA chairman.

The WKCDA plans to deepen global partnerships, including sending Hong Kong Palace Museum collections on overseas tours to Australia and Uzbekistan.

The authority also welcomed a new visa category allowing non-locals to participate in short-term training programs, enabling the WestK Academy to nurture artistic talent from across Asia and beyond.

The WKCDA said it will work closely with the government to implement the policy directions set out in both documents.