Up to 3 per cent of Beijing's gross domestic product as a whole by 2008 is expected to come from the sports industry, almost double the current figure of 1.7 per cent.

"And the capital will take full advantage of the 2008 Olympic Games to accelerate development of its sports industry," said Fan Zheng, director of the marketing office of Beijing Administration of Sport.

The office is responsible for the market development and supervision of the city's sports sector. In addition to drawing up plans, it also provides suggestions to relevant government departments.

"The stadiums and gymnasiums built for the Olympic Games and relative infrastructure facilities will provide the concrete edifices, while enthusiasm for sport stimulated by the world's grandest sporting event will create a vast market potential," Fan told China Daily.

The wealth of resources brought by the Olympic Games, involving media, international organizations, professional sporting associations as well as human resources, will be fully utilized.

Plans by the government are afoot to further improve its services, in terms of streamlined administrative procedures, supportive regulations, and fair taxation policies, to create a sound and easy environment for the sports industry's progress.

An industry specific development scheme was formulated by the administration last year, with civil sports facility upgrading and expansion topping the working agenda.

Domestic and overseas investors are being actively encouraged by the government to participate in the sector which has huge potential.

"Chain fitness centres and tennis, bowling, swimming, basketball and football pitches should extend their outlets to residential communities," said Fan. Hotels, universities and business are also being encouraged to open their affiliated sports facilities to the public.

The administration is also considering establishing a sports facility management corporation to run professional stadiums and gymnasiums.

"However, the market-orientated reform, or property rights transfer, of those places is the prerequisite," said Fan.