"The preparatory endeavors in the past five years have paid off and we've achieved all preliminary objectives," said President of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG). "As a result we're confident to host the Olympic Games with distinguishing features on a solid foundation."

Liu Qi, who is also member of the Political Bureau of Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, made his remarks while being interviewed by a host of Chinese central media on the eve of the two-year countdown ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Liu briefed journalists on the BOCOG's work on venue construction. Up until now, he said, construction had gone smoothly. Work on the new Beijing venues was underway as was the renovation of existing facilities. The relevant supporting facilities were being built according to schedule.

Significant progress had also been made in the organization of the various competitions themselves and the actual Games schedule had been agreed. At present, the daily events diary and individual event schedule have all been approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Moreover, all event venues have been confirmed and the executives of 28 sport events have been nominated. Training venues for the majority of the sports have also been agreed.

In addition the preparatory organization of the Qingdao 2008 Olympic sailing competition and soccer tryout in four Olympic cities, Tianjin, Shanghai, Shenyang and Qinghuangdao, are now all in place. The BOCOG has signed a principle relationship agreement with these cities.

The IOC has confirmed the 2008 Olympic Equestrian Competition will be held in Hong Kong instead of Beijing. The Hong Kong Organizing Committee for the Equestrian Competition of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad was founded in October, 2005. The preparatory work for the equestrian competition is underway.

On Olympic marketing, Liu said good results had been achieved and the future was bright. Because of China's rapid economic development enterprises were displaying high enthusiasm for being affiliated to, and sponsoring, the Olympic Games.

To date 11 Chinese and foreign companies have become partners in the Games with another nine selected as sponsors. A total of 248 Olympic licensed stores have been opened up and the first set of Olympic commemorative stamps has been issued. The development of the marketing plan has shown that it can fulfill the requirements for staging the event.

BOCOG's solicitation for Olympic emblems, mascots, slogans and songs has mobilized various circles within society to take part and support the Olympic Games. Currently the BOCOG is working on the program for the 2008 Olympic torch relay and the creative plan for the opening and closing ceremonies.

Plans for transportation, security, accommodation, catering and medical facilities are being made ready and solid progress has been achieved in the provision of media services. City operations are underway with the objectives, responsibilities, cooperation and resources provision clearly defined, Liu added.

(beijing2008.com August 7, 2006)