Wang Yiming, Deputy Director of Academy of Macro-Economic Research, NDRC. [Xinhua]

An official from the National Development and Reform Commission says the Olympics will not affect the momentum of China's economy.[Xinhua]

Wang Yiming, Deputy Director of Academy of Macro-Economic Research, NDRC, said, "The Olympics have obviously contributed to Beijing's economic growth, but Beijing's economy only accounts for 3.6 percent of the country's total. Beijing has invested about 300 billion yuan in the past 4 years, that's less than 1 percent of the country's total fixed investments. So, the post-Olympics period will not affect the fundamentals of the Chinese economy."

Wang says the influence of the Olympics on the economy means more than just short term growth from increased investment.

Wang Yiming said, "The Olympics will help lift China's international image and further improve the investment environment. That will be vital for China, with greater openness, to better integrate into the global economy."

However, Wang says as the global economy is in a downturn, China should be cautious when the Olympics end. He says it's important to make full use of new sports venues and related infrastructure, as well as continuing to promote environmentally-friendly economic growth.

(CCTV August 18, 2008)