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When the Beijing Olympic Games open next month, the sailing competition will take place in Qingdao, Shandong Province,

August 9-21. We interviewed Xia Geng, mayor of Qingdao and head of the Sailing Committee of the Beijing Olympic Games.

China Today: Qingdao has changed a great deal since the spadework for the sailing competition began. Could you please bring us up to date on your current state of readiness, and how you appraise the five years of work that have gone into the preparations?

Xia Geng: Preparatory work began in June 2003 with the establishment of the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Committee. Over the past five years, we have remained faithful to our commitment to hold “a green Olympics, a sci-tech Olympics and a peoples Olympics.” A world-class venue for the sailing competition has been built; a comprehensive operations system has been put in place, and a large staff with ample experience in international competitions has been trained. As you know, Qingdao has been closely associated with the Olympiad these past five years. The preparatory work has boosted the citys economic development and broadened its policy of openness. Residents of Qingdao have seen their incomes rise and their quality of life improve. Currently, services related to the Olympiad, such as construction, competition organization, security and volunteer services, have all passed muster. Built to exacting and environmentally friendly standards, the Olympic venues are ready for use. We are confident that the sailing competition will be conducted at the highest level, and we pledge to do everything we can to make the Beijing Olympic Games a success.

China Today: As a partner city of the Beijing Olympic Games, Qingdao is in a position to take advantage of this great opportunity to advance local progress. Could you please tell us how you have propelled the citys development by using this chance?

Xia Geng: Indeed, hosting the sailing competition is the chance of a lifetime, which Qingdao should seize. We have always focused on two points. One is building first-class stadiums and offering high-quality service. The other is giving full play to the Olympic effect, which means maximizing the interactive functions between the citys progress and preparations for the Olympiad. In addition, we placed a great deal of emphasis on the following aspects.

First, promoting the popularity of Qingdao. Hosting the Games will help us expand international communication and cooperation. So far, we have traveled to 18 countries and regions hosting 37 promotional fairs. Not only have trade and business opportunities been fostered, but more importantly, the world is getting to know Qingdao.

Second, boosting the export-oriented economy in light of the Olympics. The use of foreign capital and gross import and export volumes have increased rapidly since 2003. Fifty-six of the worlds top 500 corporations have expanded their presence into Qingdao. Income from tourism has reached RMB 40 billion; the throughput in Qingdao harbor stands at 9.46 million standard containers; and the annual airport passenger flow now totals 7.87 million. The sailing competition has already become a significant stimulus for the citys economy.

Third, solving the problems affecting peoples livelihoods. According to rough estimates, Olympics-related construction has created no fewer than 100,000 jobs, while housing has been provided for some 46,000 low-income families. Central heating now covers 30 million square meters. Whats more, the food and medicine safety system has been enhanced.

Fourth, accelerating the citys green campaign. To build an ecological city, we have initiated the “clear sky, clean sea” program. Regulations limiting water, air and noise pollution have taken effect, and the good air quality rating, sewage treatment rating, as well as the percentage of green cover, have all risen to their highest levels yet.

Last but not least, we are intent on enhancing the citys culture. By focusing on the principle of a “peoples Olympics,” we have organized a series of activities with the theme of “holding the sailing competition while building a better city.” This has enhanced a general awareness of the Olympiad, and instilled a recognition in the population that they are the proud citizens of a host city. As a result, people now have a strong desire to take part in Olympic-related activities.