Mayor Liu: Beijing Fully Capable of Hosting Successful Olympic GamesChairman of BOBICO also Mayor of Beijing Liu Qi said that with guaranteed financial and material resources and investment Beijing would be in good stead to host the 2008 Olympic Games and make the 2008 Olympiad a complete success.Liu made the remark at a press conference in Mombasa, a port city of Kenya, June 12. He also added that the coming 21st Universiade would bring some 6500 athletes from 160 countries to Beijing in August. So far, Beijing has got all its venues ready following up-to-date standards. This is especially so with a large stadium renovated completely new and in a most modern outfit with a capacity for 80 thousand spectators. Apart from ready sports facilities, new ones outfitted with high-tech equipment will be built in Beijing's 12-square-kilometer Olympic Park. 2008 Olympic Games require 37 venues. Of these, Beijing has got already some 1/3 ready, eight others will be built for the Olympic Games and all would be at a most peerless up-to-date level after completion of all its Olympic projects. As to whether Beijing can do so many construction projects, the answer of Mayor Liu is entirely affirmative. He said that some US $15bn will be invested by the municipal government in infrastructure construction every year though the entire spending is estimated merely at US$1.2 bn. Though Olympic projects will have to be completed in seven years, yet these will be completely within Beijing's financial power. Liu also answered questions with regard to China's relationship with African Olympic Committee. He said China has a good relationship with African countries. Their cooperation will be strengthened in the new era. China's success in 2008 Olympic Games bid will benefit all other developing countries in the world. By PD Online staff member Yin Zhili |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |