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G. Conclusion
122. Madam President, in the conclusion of my last Policy Address, I highlighted three major challenges facing the SAR, namely, sustaining economic development, furthering the development of democracy, and building a harmonious society. Following the establishment of the Third Term HKSAR Government, I have studied, discussed and examined these issues in great detail with the Secretaries and Directors of Bureaux and devised pragmatic and practicable strategies to meet the three major challenges.
123. For these strategies to succeed, the Government, enterprises and individual citizens must each play their part. We all need to be pragmatic and proactive in shouldering our respective responsibilities. Otherwise, our strategies will be nothing but empty slogans or castles in the air.
Overcoming Self-doubt
124. Hong Kong has always been a city of immigrants. In the wake of the Second World War, this tiny community saw an influx of migrants. They lived from hand to mouth and struggled to make ends meet. There was no catchy slogan or a grand vision of development. Taking one step at a time, Hong Kong transformed itself from a trading port into a world factory. Today, Hong Kong has made its mark on the world map as an international city and global financial centre.
125. Hong Kong's development over the past six decades is a miracle, attesting to the dedication and contributions of every member of society. Working hard to earn a living, Hong Kong people together have created a miracle without realising it. At times, such a remarkable feat can appear quite incredible. This is why we have sometimes felt confused, particularly after the Asian financial crisis, and fell prey to self-doubt. We kept asking ourselves: Is the miracle over? Have we run out of luck? Are we at our wits' end? Have our golden days gone? The 1980s saw an economic boom in Hong Kong. People were confident and ambitious. When the Mainland economy entered a period of rapid growth in the 1990s, Hong Kong people's confidence fell. We feared that Hong Kong would be marginalised or eventually replaced by Mainland cities. Immediately after reunification, we were unsure about our identity. Time and again, we have asked ourselves: What will become of Hong Kong? Who are we?
126. Let me share my thoughts with you. To free ourselves from doubt and confusion, we have to see Hong Kong from the perspective of our country's future. Only in doing so will we be able to cultivate the right niche for ourselves in our own nation. Over the past three decades, we have contributed substantially to our country's economic growth. Hong Kong's businessmen were the earliest investors in the Mainland when our country began to reform and open up. Our professionals followed suit and headed north to embark on new ventures. In the coming decade, Hong Kong will remain a balanced, pluralistic, stable and advanced city. We play by the rules of a free market while stressing corporate social responsibility. We embrace modern values while upholding the core values of the traditional Chinese family. We promote democratic development without compromising social stability or government efficiency. We pursue economic growth, and care about environmental protection and cultural conservation. We cherish the personal freedom of individuals and pluralism, and we have a shared sense of national identity. Ours is a Chinese city, as well as a global city. Hong Kong will certainly continue to serve the country in our unique way. We will also lay an even more solid foundation to maintain our own long term prosperity, stability and development.
127. Working hard for bread and butter, Hong Kong people have created an economic miracle without realising it. Right now we are creating a new miracle. I have just turned 63, a post-war baby boomer. Ten years from now, our generation will fade out, and the next generation will take over. Our successors have to look at Hong Kong from the perspective of our nation's development. Only from this vantage point will they be able to see Hong Kong's promising future.
Realising Our Vision in a Pragmatic Manner
128. To create this new miracle, the Hong Kong spirit - pragmatic, responsible and determined to get things done - should not and cannot change. Only by retaining such qualities can we realise our vision. This is the same spirit that underpins my style of governance. In this new era of swift changes, I believe what we need is more consensus, less controversy; more practical action, less empty talk; more cohesion, less division.
Scaling New Heights
129. People may ask: What is the foundation for such consensus, harmony and cohesion? I would say it lies in the determination of the Government, enterprises and individuals to improve themselves. As the head of the Government, I will promote the development of democracy, pursue excellence in governance and progressively implement my policy agenda, with a view to improving the political environment in Hong Kong. As the pillar of our economy, enterprises should enhance corporate governance, develop creativity and shoulder more social responsibilities, so as to help create a better socio-economic environment. As the base of society, individuals should make sustained efforts to pursue personal advancement in this ever-changing world and strengthen the family unit in the face of different challenges, so that Hong Kong will become more competitive and our society more harmonious.
130. When people from different social strata and age groups, and people of different political views, all strive for progress and advancement, we will embark upon a new journey for a golden decade. Hong Kong will progress into a more brilliant world city.
Ends/Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Issued at HKT 12:59
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