They were impressed by the detailed and early preparatory work issued by the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee, praising the progress that has been made.

And the fact-finding commission said they had enjoyed "very fruitful" meetings with Beijing Olympic chiefs including Vice-Premier Li Lanqing, city mayor Liu Qi and Minister of State Sports General Administration Yuan Weimin.

"I must say that we have been impressed by the progress that has been made in a very, very short time," said commission president Hein Verbruggen.

During the consultations, the Beijing committee went over several key Olympic drafts - including marketing and infrastructure plans which detail the expansion of Beijing's subway system and the building of the Olympic Village and new sports complex.

This is the first contact between the city officials and the commission, which is a key link between the IOC and Beijing ahead of the Games. The capital won the right to host the sports extravaganza on July 13.

And Verbruggen - who also headed the IOC Evaluation Commission that assessed the city more than a year ago - said he was overwhelmed by the commitment of the Beijing organizers.

"I think progress was made possible because the Beijing organizers respect and stay very close to what they committed themselves to during the bid phase," he said.

A commitment on the early finish of the construction of Olympic venues appealed the most to Verbruggen and his IOC colleagues.

"It is very pleasing to see they have set a deadline for construction for June 2006, which is also when major preparations are set to be completed," he said.

Beijing kicked off its multi-billion Olympic build-up programme by launching an international design competition for two major Olympic venues - the Olympic Green and Wukesong Cultural and Sports Centre.

This is an important preparatory effort following the March 28 launch of the city's extensive action plan to guide its preparations.

The city has earmarked up to US$23 billion for infrastructure projects in the years running up to 2008, including ambitious environmental protection projects, new underground lines and a light rail system. Marketing practices were also being honed in partnership with IOC staff.

"The consultation progress is well under way and the financial plan is advanced," said Verbruggen. "It is completely in line with what the IOC wishes to see."

Asked if there is anything that the commission is dissatisfied with, he replied: "Frankly and honestly, no."

(China Daily May 1, 2002)