Q: What is your favourite memory of the Beijing Olympics??

A: The people of different colours, language and ethnicity gathered in Beijing. We shared the joy of the Olympics. We joined hands in pursuing peace. This is where the beauty of the Beijing Olympic Games lies. It turned ‘One World, One Dream’ from a motto into reality. It is the perfect example of the Olympic spirit: solidarity, friendship, progress, harmony, participation and dream.?

Q: What do you think is the overall impression people within China think of Beijing now??

A: Beijing is China’s national political and cultural centre. It is also one of the financial and commercial hubs in China. It is the largest base of scientific research and academic centre of China.?

In addition, Beijing has a history of more than three thousand years. It is a city with one of the largest concentrations of cultural heritage in the world. So, by any standard, Beijing holds an extremely important position in China.?

I believe every Chinese would use the word ‘great’ when they talk about Beijing. This greatness comes from two aspects.?

First, modernisation. In 2011, Beijing’s GDP topped 1.6 trillion RMB (￡160 billion). Per capita GDP exceeded $12,000. It is estimated that in five years Beijing’s per capita GDP will reach about $20,000. That will be close to the level of medium developed countries.

Second, internationalisation. 76 of the world’s top 500 companies have their headquarters in Beijing. Places like the ‘Financial Street’ and CBD are the hallmark of China’s openness and economic prowess. Beijing is now making tremendous efforts to draw talent and expertise from around the world. The aim is for Beijing to become a capital of international events, multinational companies and world class talents.

Q: What do you think is the overall impression people outside of China think of Beijing now??

A: There is a saying: “There are a thousand Hamlets in a thousand people’s eyes.” It would be more fitting to ask a foreigner this question.?

In my view, if anyone wants to know more about Beijing, he should go to see Beijing. Of course if he cannot go in person, there are many sources of information about Beijing in London. Not long ago the Beijing Culture Week was held in London, which included various events showcasing Beijing’s culture, arts and folk customs. Activities like this are the best chance for you to experience Beijing in London.

Q: Do you think people will change their opinion of London after the London Olympics? If so, in what way?

A: With the great efforts of the Organising Committee and wide support from countries around the world, the London Olympic Games will deliver a sports and cultural carnival. London is lucky to have both modern sports?facilities and great historical buildings side by side. This combination means London can impress the world as a city of exceptional modern and historical heritage. The 2012 Games will offer an excellent stage for Britain to show its cultural heritage. The many innovative concepts applied in preparing for and running the Games will also build up London’s image as a creative city.

Q: What are the biggest risk or challenges that London faces in hosting these Games?

A: Hosting the Olympic Games is a huge logistical project. It involves immense tasks with transportation, security and planning. Ensuring a smooth and successful Olympic Games is a big challenge for every host. The London Games is no exception. The British government, London Olympic Organising Committee and all the other official bodies involved have made tremendous efforts. I wish the London Olympics a great success.

Q: The Olympic Games creates an environment for political and business leaders around the world to converge. How will Chinese politicians use the London Olympics??

A: The Olympic Games is not only an occasion for athletes to show their sporting skills. It is also a good opportunity for people around the world to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship. The Chinese government places high importance on the London Olympics and encourages Chinese athletes to create new records. Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo attended the Opening Ceremony of the London Olympics as representative of the Chinese government. China sent to London a large sports delegation of more than 600 people. During the Games, we have held Beijing Culture Week, the seminar on the development of Olympic cities and many other activities to spread Chinese culture and introduce the latest achievements of Beijing. The Chinese Olympic Committee and the Chinese embassy have for the first time set up a ‘China House’ during a Summer Olympic Games to show China’s progress in the Olympic movements and introduce China to the British public. We hope the London Olympics will lead to better mutual understanding between Chinese and British people and greater exchanges and co-operation between China and UK in urban development, sports and economy.?

Q: How will Chinese businesses benefit from the London Olympics??

A: It is fair to say that London Olympic Games has offered many opportunities and delivered real benefits for the Chinese business community.?

First, some Chinese companies have been granted franchises to market Olympic products or allowed to become a sponsor. Examples are many. The Beijing Huajiang Culture Development Co. Ltd won the franchise to sell 2012 Olympic pins. The Shanghai Haobo Chair Co. Ltd secured the order of seats for Olympic venues. The Beijing Crystal Computer Graphics Company became one of the sponsors and the official digital imaging services supplier of the London Games. While contributing to the success of the Games, these companies also reaped commercial profits.?

Second, many Chinese entrepreneurs see the London Olympic Games as a platform for business matching activities. In concurrence with the opening of the Games, the British government has initiated a China Business Day. It has drawn more than 100 private business leaders from China. More than 30 of them are members of the China Entrepreneur Club. These business leaders will visit many places in Britain and interact with their British counterparts. They will draw inspiration from such exchanges and explore more ways to strengthen co-operation with British businesses.

Third, Chinese companies have taken this opportunity to go global by scaling up their investments in Britain and the whole Europe. It is the right time for Chinese companies to explore British and European markets. London is a global financial hub. It can be a springboard for Chinese companies to go to Europe. Britain holds out great investment opportunities in engineering, creative industry, life science and pharmaceutics. Statistics show that since January last year, Chinese companies have invested in UK about ￡3.5 billion through joint share holding or merger and acquisition. The growth has been truly impressive.?

Q: How can London learn from the Beijing Olympic experience??

A: There is no uniform criteria for the success of Olympic Games. As long as the host presents interesting and creative ideas and athletes bring out their best in competitions, then the Games will be successful. One hundred years before Beijing became an Olympic host for the first time, London had already hosted the fourth Games. On top of that, London has twice hosted the Olympic Games. So London is already a veteran host city! I understand that each Games will face different problems and challenges. We would be glad to share with British friends our experience in the Beijing Games. I hope and I believe that with the concerted efforts of the British government and people, London will surely deliver a successful Olympic Games.