VII.Conclusion 170. Honourable Members, ladies and gentlemen, we are now on the threshold of the 21st Century - a unique and fascinating moment in history. 171. At the turn of the last century, a weak and impoverished China was invaded by foreign powers. China has always been a great nation with industrious, brave and wise people but modern history has seen her decline. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China half a century ago, our fellow countrymen have been striving for progress, and their achievements have impressed the world. On 1 October, the people's pride in modern China was reflected in the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of our National Day in Tiananmen Square. The world witnessed a people full of vigour, hope and confidence. A people who are looking forward to the new era to create a better life for themselves and once again making China a distinguished nation in the world. 172. The fact that we are able to implement the principle of "Hong Kong people running Hong Kong" under the sovereignty of China reflects the progress made. In 1996, when I was a candidate in the election for the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR, I presented my thoughts on the administration of Hong Kong in my platform entitled "Building a 21st Century Hong Kong Together". Today, I still firmly believe that we must: ensure that Hong Kong's economy remains free and vibrant, so that it will continue to play a significant role in the world's economic arena; develop Hong Kong into a highly civilised society which is knowledge-based, affluent, harmonious and caring; cultivate a sense of pride for our new identity and a spirit of continuous self-improvement; and contribute to our country and fellow countrymen as best we can in a way that is commensurate with Hong Kong's status. 173. I believe that my philosophy, which was formed after discussions with people from all walks of life before I took office, reflects the aspirations of most people. Since I took office, I have had more opportunities of meeting people from a wider spectrum of the community. The views they expressed have affirmed my belief. In the last two and a half years, I have followed my belief and also the aspirations of the community in developing long-term plans, and in undertaking immediate tasks. I often recall the families I have met during my visits to the districts and the people I have talked to in buses and on the MTR. I remember well the family of five squeezed in a tiny living space. The new immigrant who had to leave his home in North Point before dawn and travel a long way to his workplace only to earn a meager income, and all the young people attending evening classes after a hard day's work. I was deeply impressed by their remarkable qualities. However difficult the situation, they were determined to work hard and go through hard times in the hope of a better life for themselves and their children. Hong Kong is indeed a city of opportunities. Many citizens have followed this path and have become part of Hong Kong's success story. 174. For Hong Kong citizens to enjoy better education, more comfortable housing, a more beautiful environment, better health and more job opportunities, much needs to be done by the Government and the community as a whole. We still need to overcome many difficulties, but I am confident that we can tackle any challenge. What we have achieved in the past two years or so proves we will be able to meet the challenges that come our way, however daunting they may seem. We are already making progress in meeting the pledges that we made. Time will show that we are able to seize new opportunities to build a better future for Hong Kong. Hong Kong's future depends on each and everyone of us. I call on all of us to greet the coming century and new millennium with the will to succeed and the confidence that success will be ours.