Tendering began here Tuesday for the design of the Beijing International Automobile Exposition Center, a priority project for the 2008 Olympic Games.
Five companies from the United States, Japan, Germany, Canada and China have submitted their design drawings and a total of 30 firms have registered interest.
To maintain fair competition, no drawings will be publicized until July 5, when a week-long exhibition will be held at the Beijing International Conference Center.
Meanwhile, an on-line exhibition will also be held on the website www.openshow.com.cn. to solicit public opinions.
Situated in Fengtai District, in southwestern Beijing, the center is expected to consist of five areas: an automobile museum,an information center, a distribution hall, an exhibition area, and a plaza.
With a budget investment of four billion yuan (481.93 million US dollars), the center is expected to come into operation in 2006.It will cover 57.68 hectares and have an indoor floor space of 520,000 square meters.