The Science and Technology Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games was established Friday in Beijing to assist in seeking the latest and safest technologies to meet the city's promise of a "high-tech Games.''.

The new committee, which will serve as a top science and technology advisory body under the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), combines 10 central governmental departments and top scientific research institutions including the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

The new committee will collect the country's "leading scientists and experts'' in various sectors to join the preparation for the Games, according to committee officials.

Lin Wenyi, vice-mayor of Beijing and the president of the new committee, said Friday the committee will provide the "all-round technological consultancy'' for BOCOG, and cover the construction of Olympic stadiums, organization of the matches, opening and closing ceremonies, security checks and the establishment of information networks for the Games.

The new committee will also work closely with developers of Olympic construction projects to add the latest technology to Olympic facilities, Lin said.

The committee will also promote scientific information exchanges among relevant departments and follow the latest international technological achievements and breakthroughs that can be used in the Olympics, said Lin.

Science and Technology Minister Xu Guanhua Friday promised that the country will accelerate its scientific research efforts in a move to provide the world the "best Olympiad featuring the latest technologies.''

Xu said the ministry will focus on nine key sectors, including the Beijing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) strategy, electric bus industry, clean energy supplies, satellite technology, multi-lingual service networks, sandstorm defence, anti-drug checks, information security and food safety.

Beijing Mayor Liu Qi also urged technology innovation by the country's scientists and engineers to help ensure a "green, high-tech and people's Olympiad.''

(China Daily June 8, 2002)