Jiang Xiaoyu, Beijing 2008’s executive vice president, told a press conference Tuesday that Beijing’s budget for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies wouldn’t exceed the Athens 2004 Opening and Closing Ceremonies, although Jiang said Beijing has not yet figured out its budget for the two ceremonies.
Athens’ spending on the Opening and Closing ceremonies totalled $1 million euros, said a Beijing 2008 official.
Jiang said that Beijing will adhere to the principle of “frugal Olympics” in organizing the 2008 Games, but funds needed for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies will be put aside as they are the “key “ work. He added, “as far as the cultural sense of an Olympic Games is concerned the Opening and Closing Ceremonies are the most important parts, so we will endeavour to make them a complete success”.
