Beijing expects more international insurance companies to start business here, Liu Qi, the city's mayor, said at a meeting with Henning Schulte-Noelle, board chairman of the German insurance giant Allianz AG.

Beijing's preparations for the 2008 Olympic Games will boost urban construction and economic development, said Liu, noting that his administration is considering taking in well-known experts and counseling companies, including insurance firms, to help with venue construction, finances and project biddings.

Schulte-Noelle expressed his hope that Allianz, which also specialized in asset management and investment, will seek more investment opportunities in China.

Allianz has operated representative offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou since 1994.

(People's Daily June 4, 2002)