It is hoped the torch relay for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games will cover many parts of China including Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, Beijing's Party Secretary Liu Qi has announced.

"The relay line will begin to be designed in the latter half of the year," said Liu in an interview with China Central Television on Sunday.

He is also president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG).

A BOCOG official said the plan will not be finalized until early 2008.

"The BOCOG has not yet reached agreements with the Olympic committees of Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong and Macao," the official surnamed Hu said.

The torch relay is expected to last for three months, just before the 2008 Games, added Hu.

Liu Qi also expressed his wish to conduct the relay internationally.

"We want to take the Olympic spirit to various countries including developed and developing ones," said Liu.

He said there would be some cheap tickets for visitors to the 29th Olympic Games.

"We want to encourage more people to watch the events on site," he said.

Some tickets will be more expensive though, he added.

Liu promised all Olympic venues will be completed on time, by the end of 2007.

"Various systems we have in place such as management structures will guarantee it," he said.

He admitted that the organizers have a great responsibility on their shoulders, having to ensure everything goes smoothly in 2008 and the venues are safe.

"New technology is being adopted at some venues such as the National Swimming Centre. We will not relax until the venues are being used," said Liu.

As for the National Stadium which is using a lot of steel, Liu believed all of it will be supplied by domestic enterprises, not surprising given that China is now the world's top steel producer.

Regarding the volunteers who will work in the 2008 Games, Liu said they will be trained to ensure their service will be good enough for the visitors who will flock to Beijing. Noting that the opening ceremony is crucial for the success of the Olympic Games, Liu said the BOCOG will give top priority to the opening ceremony in its preparation for the Games.

He said the opening ceremony should, above all, have Chinese characteristics and exhibit China's long history and unique culture.

Liu said the opening ceremony should also adopt the latest technology and give people a totally refreshing impression beyond their expectations.

"It is important to present the opening ceremony in an innovative form," Liu said.

(China Daily March 16, 2005)