On the morning of May 16, 2005, sports and culture round-table discussions were convened at the Beijing International Club. The two meetings were regarded as avant-courier meetings for the 2005 Fortune Global Forum, which opened in Beijing the same day. Liu Peng, Director of the General Administration of Sports, and Liu Jingmin, Deputy Mayor of Beijing, respectively addressed the sports meeting.

Four distinct features of the Beijing Olympics

During his keynote speech, Liu remarked that the Beijing Olympics will bear four unique features -- the characteristics of China, the elegance of Chinese culture, the outlook of the times and the participation of common people. He went on to explain the terms in greater detail, as follows:

The "characteristics of China" involves inscribing the Games with strong Chinese appeals, bringing forth the splendid Chinese history and culture, and the spirit of the community. The "elegance of Chinese culture" relates to the idea of managing the Games as a celebration of diversity of different cultures and the civilization of mankind, as well as providing a platform for social norms and cultural education. "The outlook of the times" focuses on contemporary themes, "peace and development," showcasing the latest technology. The "participation of common people" relates to the goal of setting records -- not only as a host country with the greatest population -- but also having the broadest participation from of all walks of life in Olympic history.

High standards in 8 aspects

Liu noted that the Beijing Olympics will also reach top standards in eight aspects. These eight aspects include 1) sports facilities and organizations of events, 2) opening ceremonies and cultural activities, 3) media service and publicity, 4) security, 5) service from volunteers, 6) transportation management and life service, 7) image of the city, 8) achievements of Chinese athletes.

Sufficient financial guarantee

The Beijing Olympics will receive enough funds for its operation. The preparatory work for the Games is currently making smooth progress. So far, seven domestic and international companies have become official Olympic partners to the Beijing Games, whilst 11 companies, of The Top Olympic Program (TOP), have agreed to sponsor the Games. The on-going venue construction is also moving forward according to schedule, and by the end of this year, all Olympic venues will have commenced construction.

Transportation coordination mechanism confirmed

Services for the games, such as transportation, security, accommodation and medical care, are steadily reaching targeted objectives. To date, the transportation coordination mechanism has already been designed, while the transportation model for the Games is under way. Furthermore, the "Strategic Security Plan for the Beijing Olympics" (preliminary) and the "Security and Risk Assessment Plan for the Beijing Olympics" have been completed. A list of 88 restaurants/hotels have signed agreements to provide accommodation services for the Olympics, whilst some 20 Olympic-designated hospitals have been confirmed, along with the establishment of the doping control center for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Additionally, Beijing has also initiated work plans in such Olympic-related fields as technical system construction, financial management and intellectual property protection.

Sustainable Olympic development and environmental management

The "Beijing Olympic Action Plan" and the "Eco-environmental Protection Plan," collaborated by the Beijing Municipal Government and the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), explicitly stipulates the tasks and ultimate goals of urban environmental construction and protection. Environmental management and ecological stability were taken into full consideration during the planning of Olympic projects, from the venue layout, design, construction, inspection, and ongoing operation.

In the last three years of Olympic preparations, the city's environmental quality has steadily improved. By the end of 2004, the concentrations of major air pollutants were all in decline.

Staging the Games and local infrastructure construction

In the last three years, major projects, including the urban subway system, the 5th Ring Road, the communication hub at the Beijing Zoo, and the south axial express line for public transport were either completed or went into operation. Additionally, the construction of further rail lines, large-scale traffic junctions and express ways has also been initiated.

The Municipal Government has also upgraded its role in the field of cultural relic protection, committing an annual expenditure of RMB 120 million, in order to present local history and culture to the world. Hundreds of antique alleyways (hutong), courtyard dwellings (traditional residential compounds of northern China) were restored, along with the reconstruction of the Ming City Wall Rampart and the Yongdingmen Gate Tower.

RMB 600 million over three years

To successfully host the Beijing Paralympic Games, the city attaches great importance to barrier-free construction to aid movement of the physically challenged. The government has committed RMB 600 million on the construction and upgrade of public utilities, urban roads, and tourist resorts and facilities over the next three years. Facilities such as special paths for the blind, sloping intersections, barrier-free overpasses and prompting sounds at traffic lights to aid the passage of blind people across streets, can now be seen all over the city.

Transportation facilities, including public transport, subways, and airports are also undertaking barrier-free reconstruction efforts.

Liu revealed that about 60 000 -- 100 000 volunteers will get directly involved in the services for the 2008 Olympic Games. The Beijing Volunteers Association has established and subsequently implemented a volunteers' action plan for the Olympics Games.

BOCOG, along with relevant local organizations, will launch the inauguration ceremony for the Olympic Volunteers next month.

The city will set forth a special training program for a team of dedicated volunteers to meet the special needs of the Paralympics.

In the world today, the development of the sports industry is obviously accelerating, and has already become a major engine of economic growth. At present, the economic value created by the sports industry accounts for a relatively large percentage of GDP, the figure close to that of developed countries, and that of many Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and other developed coastal cities.

(BOCOG May 18, 2005)