Beijing Mayor Wang Qishan said Thursday that Beijing has the confidence and ability to host a successful Summer Olympic Games in 2008 and “leave China and the international sports with a unique legacy”.
He told a luncheon hosted by the Asia Society in Southern California, “presenting a distinctive and high-level Olympic Games is a serious commitment that Beijing has made to the whole world”.
Construction is now underway for 11 new facilities and some of the temporary facilities, and modified or expanded premises and associated facilities for the Games is underway, Wang said, which should be completed by the end of 2007.
The Beijing 2008 Games will leave a legacy that includes the construction of three new towns in suburban Beijing immediately after the Games are over to accommodate some of the city’s functions, industries and population that will be transferred from downtown Beijing.
The mayor said Beijing is expected to continue its rapid economic growth for years to come after the 2008 Games.
