Speech by Wan Gang

May 8, 2008


Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning!

Thank you for attending this press conference. I wish to brief you on our work regarding High-tech Olympics.

A modern Olympics needs to be supported by science and technology. In order to make the Beijing Olympics a characteristic and high-level one and realize the commitments of “Green Olympics, High-Tech Olympics and People's Olympics”, by our concerted efforts, the science and technology community has developed and applied a great number of advanced and practical innovative achievements according to the major scientific and technological demands of the construction for Beijing Olympics. By doing so, we shall provide an all-round technological support and service to the construction for the Beijing Olympics on the one hand, and greatly facilitate the development of science and technology as well as its commercialization on the other. We are convinced that the 2008 Beijing Olympics will turn out to be one that not only takes the lead in its application of science and technology but also does the best in energy conservation and environmental protection. During the past seven years, our endeavor in “High-tech Olympics” has achieved the following results:

Firstly, we have provided the construction for Beijing Olympics with an all-round scientific and technological support and turned the concept of “High-tech Olympics” into action.

After the success in Olympic Bid, together with Beijing Municipality and related government departments, MOST promulgated The Action Plan for High-tech Olympics 2008. Focusing on realizing “High-tech Olympics” concept and supporting “Green Olympics” construction, our efforts aim to meet the scientific and technological demands from venue building, large-scale events and competition organization, which are directly related to the Olympic Games. We have made technological breakthroughs and applications, and solved a series of technological difficulties. A batch of advanced technologies will be adopted in the construction of the Olympics, which serves to significantly improve the scientific and technological level of the Beijing Olympics.

Secondly, we have integrated and applied many environmental friendly, energy saving and emission reducing technologies, underpinning the concept of “Green Olympics” with science, technology and innovation.

In order to achieve the goals of “Green Olympics” construction, energy conservation and emission reduction, we have attached great importance to technological development and applicable demonstration in the areas of green buildings, clean energies and eco-environment. A group of advanced new energy vehicles, green energies, highly efficient and environmental friendly new technologies, new techniques and new products are extensively utilized and will play a significant role during the Beijing Olympics. In particular, over 500 new energy vehicles will be used, which is the first time for Olympic central zones to realize zero emission in the history of Olympic Games. The successful application of new energies and energy saving, emission reducing technologies in the Beijing Olympics will set a good example for the whole world and contribute to the progress of the humanity.

Thirdly, we have employed advanced technologies including ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and ITS (Intelligent Transportation System), which enriches the connotation of “People's Olympics”.

We have made the commitment that by 2008, information services will be inexpensive, rich in content, free of language barrier, customized and available at any terminal for anyone, at anytime and anywhere. Honoring this commitment, we have applied the most advanced new and high technologies such as ICT, ITS and Security Guarantee. By doing so, we aim to make information and communication, urban transportation, food safety, weather forecast as well as other services more convenient, considerate and individualized during the Olympic Games. Thus, it will embody the concept of “People' Olympics”.

Fourthly, our endeavor in “High-tech Olympics” has markedly upgraded China 's innovation capacity and facilitated the development of emerging industries such as information and environmental protection.

The Olympic constructions have noticeably promoted the upgrade of China 's traditional industries such as transportation, construction, and meteorology. In the meantime, they have also accelerated the leapfrog development of emerging industries including new energy vehicles, energy and environmental protection, and information. The promotion, application and commercialization of those scientific and technological innovation results serve to improve China 's science and technology level as well as innovation capacity.

Further more, in order that people both at home and abroad can be informed of major achievements from and experience the concept of “High-tech Olympics”, the Ministry of Science and Technology, Beijing Municipal Government, the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) and other related agencies will co-host High-tech Olympic Achievements Exhibition with the theme of “Making Beijing more beautiful and making the Olympics more wonderful”. This exhibition is to be held during the 11th China Beijing International High-tech Expo from May 20-25, 2008. Aiming at six objectives of High-tech Olympics, the main contents for the exhibition will focus on science and technology as a support to Green Olympics and enrichment to People's Olympics. There will be over 150 projects on show. Welcome to the exhibition.

Next, Mr. Yang Yichun, Director of Technology Department of BOCOG, Mr. Ma Lin, Director General of Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission, Mr. Qin Yong, Deputy Director General of the Department of Development Planning of MOST, and myself are delighted to take a few questions.