ENG-1997 — Page 31

A NEW ERA BEGINS

Hong Kong has an outstanding and honest civil service. They have a crucial role to play under the concept of 'Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong'. Together, we serve the community and work for a better Hong Kong.

The hard work and achievements of our predecessors have provided us with a solid foundation on which to build. But we cannot be complacent and need to continue our self-enhancement to build an even brighter future for the younger generation. With the turning of history's wheel, we must pace ourselves well. I have experienced the frustration of setting up a business and the hardship of maintaining what has been achieved by others. In this time of change, I fully understand the needs and aspirations of the people of Hong Kong. In the days ahead, I wish to move forward hand in hand with the six-and-a-half million people of Hong Kong in the direction of 'one country, two systems'. Together we shall overcome obstacles on the road ahead and score greater achievements.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government pledges that it will always put the people's livelihood first and attach the greatest importance to their interests. It will strive to better the well-being of the public and to enable the community at large to lead a peaceful and stable life. It will also make every effort to ensure that Hong Kong continues to enjoy existing advantages in the international arena, which is characterised by more open and keener competition, and to maintain our leading position in the Asia-Pacific Region.

With the concerted effort and whole-hearted devotion of every person in Hong Kong, the future will certainly be brighter. Our future prosperity and stability depend on the hard work of each of us. We have a part to play in the further success of the modernisation of our nation. We all have a mission to accomplish and obligations to fulfil. We must try with all our might and spare no effort to serve Hong Kong, to serve our motherland.

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