Beijing Olympic organizers on Monday launched their Supplier Program, the third tier of the 2008 Olympics Sponsorship Program. The two categories in this tier are "exclusive supplier" and "supplier".

Exclusive suppliers will enjoy exclusive corresponding marketing rights and benefits in their own fields. Suppliers have to share the rights with other suppliers in the same fields.

"It is the first time suppliers can share rights in the same field," said Yuan Bin, director of marketing department of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games (BOCOG).

According to Yuan, areas of supplier business include ticketing services, office equipment, stationery, furniture, sports facilities, candy, wine and tires.

The Marketing Program of the 2008 Olympics consists of three tiers: partners, sponsors and suppliers. Up till now, 10 partners have been signed up, namely Bank of China, China Network, Sinopec, CNPC, China Mobile, Volkswagen, Adidas, Johnson & Johnson, Air China and PICC Property & Casualty. The seven contracted sponsors are UPS, Haier, Sohu, Yili Dairy Group, Tsingtao Beer, Yanjing Beer and BHP Billiton.

(Xinhua News Agency December 13, 2005)