Hong Kong hopes to be Olympic venue
(China Daily)
Updated: 2004-09-03 00:39

Hong Kong would like to host one of the 2008 Olympic Games events, Beijing and Hong Kong officials said Thursday.

The Olympic flag is displayed at the opening of the Beijing-Hong Kong economic co-operation symposium Thursday in Hong Kong. The two-day high-level symposium aims to attract Hong Kong investment for 130 Olympics-related projects, ranging from logistics to technology and manufacturing valued at more than US$10 billion. [newsphoto]

Responding to that suggestion, Beijing Party Secretary Liu Qi said it reflected the Hong Kong people's strong wishes to participate in the 2008 Olympics.

Liu and Beijing Mayor Wang Qishan are leading a delegation for a top-level Beijing-Hong Kong economic co-operation symposium in Hong Kong.

Liu said Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa and Timothy Fok, chairman of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, had proposed the same suggestion several times on different occasions.

Liu said that the Central Government and the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games fully understood the sincere wishes of Hong Kong people. But the decision-making power did not rest with the organizing committee.

"Nevertheless, it does not mean we cannot pursue this matter further," Liu said.

When asked whether there would be good news soon, Liu said, smiling. "Just wait and see."

On a separate occasion, Fok told reporters that he believes the chances for Hong Kong to organize a certain event were good.

"Hong Kong is an international city and people are very supportive of the 2008 Beijing Olympics... I believe the chances will not be slim," he said, noting that it would be up to the International Olympic Committee to decide which game Hong Kong could host.

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