The Commission on Strategic Development ("Commission") was established in 1998 to explore the way forward for Hong Kong's long-term development strategies. In October 2005, the Chief Executive announced in the 2005-06 Policy Address that he looked upon the Commission as the most important advisory body of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and would substantially expand its membership by inviting talent from different fields.

The Commission provides a platform for all sectors of the community to explore with the Government major issues pertaining to Hong Kong's long-term development. The intention is to gauge a wide range of community views at the early stage of policy formulation to be considered by the relevant policy bureaux, thereby laying the foundation for formulating specific policies. The Commission's work can help make policy formulation more scientific and transparent, backed up by enhanced public participation and acceptance.

The Commission is chaired by the Chief Executive, with four official members and 69 non-official members. The four official members are the Chief Secretary for Administration, the Financial Secretary, the Head of the Central Policy Unit and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office. The Commission is served by a Secretariat established within the Central Policy Unit, which provides secretariat as well as research support to the Commission.