Suzhou Well Prepared for APEC Financial Ministers Meeting

Suzhou, one of China's noted historical and cultural cities, is well prepared for the Eighth Finance Ministers Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), which is to be held on September 8 and 9.

Known as Venice in the orient, the scenic city with a history of more than 2,500 years is also a host to the APEC Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting which opened Thursday.

The city has made great efforts for the APEC series meetings in the past year and now it is proud of its hardware and software services for the meetings.

In the 1,000-square-meter meeting hall in the reconstructed Suzhou Convention Center, there are two seats for the delegates of each APEC economy, equipped with electric screens and simultaneous translations devices with the English, Russia, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and Thai languages.

The press center is installed with first class telecommunication apparatus, including dozens of computers with access to the Internet.

To the west of the reconstructed convention center, there is a 1,800-square-meter parking lot dotted with lawns.

Suzhou has invested heavily improving its communications conditions, water and electricity supply systems. Flowers and flags add to the festival atmosphere in the city.

To greet APEC meetings, many citizens turned to learn foreign languages. There are many foreign language training classes in the communities. Shi Kunquan, a 55-year-old man, said, "We do not expect to meet with APEC officials, but we might come upon foreign reporters, delegates and visitors. I have learned some English and yesterday I communicated with two foreigners and helped them to find their way." Young volunteers are everywhere at the venues of the APEC meetings. Zhang Lu, a 19-year-old university student, arrived at the Suzhou Convention Center early Thursday morning to help foreign guests to fill in forms. She said, "It is a common wish for me and hundreds of other volunteers and all citizens to provide the best service to the meetings."






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