Companies Supporting Beijing's Olympic BidThe Beijing Tourism Group and the Chinese Construction First Bureau Co Ltd have been named sponsors of Beijing's bid to host the 2008 Summer Olympics.The State-owned enterprises are the largest firms to have joined "2008 Subsidies," which was established to find financial backers for Beijing's Olympic bid. Officials of the two companies did not disclose how much they will be contributing to Beijing's effort to host the Olympics. So far, Beijing Tourism has provided the office space for the bid committee, while Chinese Construction First Bureau has provided the interior decorations. By being part of 2008 Subsidies, the two Beijing companies are allowed to use the bid committee's Olympic logo - a star-shaped emblem with Olympic colours and the five Olympic rings - to promote themselves and their products. More than 100 well-known national and international enterprises are expected to join 2008 Subsidies before the host city for the 2008 Summer Olympics is selected in Moscow next year. Beijing and nine other cities are vying to host the 2008 Games. The other candidates include Bangkok, Cairo, Havana, Istanbul, Osaka and Paris. In 1993, Beijing was a finalist to host this summer's Games, but lost by two votes to Sydney, Australia. Liu Jingmin, Beijing vice-mayor and vice-president of the bid committee, said he believes there will be substantial backing from 2008 Subsidies partners. "More supporters mean more chances for us. "And the bid could also be a chance for those supporting enterprises to give a boost to their business," Liu said. Liu acknowledged that the pollution that engulfs Beijing could hinder the city's Olympic bid. Sponsors who are part of 2008 Subsidies could provide the funding for pollution-control efforts, Liu said. |
| Please visit People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/ |