The International Olympic Committee (IOC) gave thumbs-up to Beijing's preparation for the 2008 Olympics although they pointed out some challenges to be addressed.

Hein Verbruggen, chairman of the IOC's Coordination Commission for the Beijing Olympics, said here on Friday that what Beijing has done was quite "impressive and advanced" given the fact that it is just over one year since the Chinese capital was awarded theGames.

"It is well ahead of our expetaction,"he said. "It is well in line with the understanding of what is needed to host a successfulGames,"he added.

He made the remarks at a press conference after some members ofthe IOC Coordination commission as well as Olympic experts in a variety of fields have just concluded its three-day visit to the city.

The IOC delegation was here to see how the city is getting along with their preparation and bring their expertise to the hostto assure a successful Games in 2008.

They discussed with the organizers a range of issues covering sport, marketing, construction, marketing, finance, environmental protection, communication and security.

"We had a very productive meeting here," he said.

During the visit starting from August 7, the IOC team also visited an exhibition of design works for the Olympic Green and Wukesong Sports and Culture Complex, two of major venues planned for the Games.

He said that they have been impressed by the "very open and transparent procedure" that Beijing has adopted by inviting international tenders for the design of the two major venues.

"The Olympic Green will be the showpiece of the Games and a lasting legacy for Beijing and China's social and economic development."he said.

But he admitted that they have been "confronted with some stunning figures" in the infrastructure construction and the development of the city planning must be "one of the greatest challenges somebody can have".

"The city planning has to be revised almost every three months," he said. "You can imagine what that means when you are here and you want to discuss about the Olympic Games in 2008."

In order to make the city well-prepared for the world's top sporting event, the city has invested heavily to reduce traffic jams and improve air quality.

"But we are very confident that this will be addressed in a very good way," he said.

The challenge, however, cuts both ways since the ambitious infrastructure construction will leave an enormous legacy for the country, he said.

Another challenges he spoke of explicitly is that "the increaseof cars is stunning,"

He said that there will be an annual increase of 250,000 cars so that both Beijing organizing committee and the IOC will have tomake plans to take into account that "incredible increase".

But he said the traffic expert in their team has made some sitevisits and was impressed by the city's efforts in ensuring the smooth flow of traffic.

"I know it is more interesting to talk about the possible concerns, but it's difficult for me to find any," he said. "Challenges, yes _ but major concerns, no."

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