The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) has made remarkable progress in its marketing program, Director Yuan Bin of BOCOG's Marketing Department said on Wednesday.

The Games have a total of 63 sponsor enterprises, including 12 worldwide Olympic Partners, 11 Beijing 2008 Partners, and a number of Beijing 2008 Sponsors, Exclusive Suppliers and Suppliers.

The Beijing Paralympic Games, which will be hosted also by BOCOG, have gained sponsorship from 30 enterprises, including 15 Beijing Paralympic Partners, of whom 11 Beijing 2008 Partners and 4 worldwide Partners, she told a press conference at the Beijing Olympic Media Center.

As far as the supply of the sports equipment for the Games, 15 outstanding Chinese and foreign enterprises have become the suppliers, she added.

As an important part of the marketing program, the project of the Olympic licensed products has also gained momentum, with over 6,000 varieties of articles developed. The retail network has been set up, with more than 3,000 stores open across the country. In addition, the licensed stamps and commemorative coins have also been issued.

Yuan said BOCOG plans to open exclusive retail stores to sell the Olympic licensed products in every competition or non-competition venue during the Olympic Games, with the largest at the Olympic Green.
In 2008, she said, BOCOG will continue its marketing efforts for the Paralympic Games, improve service for the sponsors, protect Olympic brands and enhance fighting against fake products and ambush marketing.

(BOCOG February 21, 2008)