The North's First and Deputy First Ministers have said that while the peace process faces difficulties in 2001, they are determined to work hard to resolve them.
In a joint New Year message, Mr David Trimble and Mr Seamus Mallon said enormous political progress had been made during the past year.
"We recognise that there are still difficulties ahead with which we will need to deal, but we are determined to resolve these issues. We must not forget the progress that we have made in the past year and we should look forward positively to the new year with the opportunities and challenges that it will bring.
"All the institutions established by the Good Friday agreement are now working effectively and are in the process of developing their own programmes of work. We have introduced a first Programme for Government for the people of Northern Ireland, linked to a new budget, setting out clear targets with over 230 actions.
"In the next year we need to carry the Programme forward to improve the services that you receive."
Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon said the ministers in the Stormont administration were committed to working together to ensure the best outcome for local people. "Northern Ireland's economy continues to improve. Our commitment to tackling disadvantage and inequality remains strong," they said.
The North's Enterprise Minister, Sir Reg Empey, said he was very encouraged by economic developments and was committed to "finding ways of continuing to unlock the potential which I know exists in the community to improve the lot of every citizen of Northern Ireland".
In his New Year message, Sir Reg said: "Many organisations and individuals contributed to last year's success . . . Every individual can play a part in the new Northern Ireland economy and everyone can make a difference."