The opening session of the 1st World Press Briefing for the 2008 Olympic Games kicks off in Beijing, September. 27, 2006.

Liu Qi addresses the meeting.

(BEIJING, September 27) -- BOCOG president Liu Qi said Wednesday that BOCOG will honor its commitment and provide the news media with quality and efficient services.

Delivering a speech at the opening session of the 1st World Press Briefing for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Liu said the Olympic history shows that the development of modern Olympics is interwoven with the news media.

News media have played an important role in carrying out the Olympic spirit, spreading the Olympism and enhancing the friendship and understanding between the host country and other nations, Liu said, adding that he believed that news media will contribute to the success of the 29th Olympiad.

He hoped that through the 1st press briefing, communication between BOCOG (Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad) and the wade-ranging world media will be enhanced, the latter's comments and suggestions will be heard, and the services for them will be improved. Liu, also member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and secretary of Beijing Municipal CPC Committee, said the Chinese government, based on its commitment made in its Olympic bid, has formulated related regulations regarding news coverage of foreign media during the Olympic Games in line with the Olympic practices, with an aim to facilitate their news coverage.

Foreign journalists holding Olympic identity and accreditation cards will be entitled to visa exemption within the validity of the cards, and multi-entries into the People's Republic of China with identity and accreditation cards and valid passports (or other travel documents); the visa application procedures for them will be simplified. In accordance with the regulation, reasonable amount of equipment that foreign journalists bring into China for their mission will be allowed to enter as temporary imports with tax exemption and installation and use of radio equipment will be allowed in conformity with the Chinese Law. In addition, the regulation will define relevant policies on foreign media coverage of the Games in China and their employment of Chinese citizens to assist in their coverage. The regulation will be released and take effect in 2007 after going through legislative procedures. BOCOG will also formulate "Beijing Olympic Games Foreign Media Service Guide", which will clarify the policies and procedures for foreign media's coverage of the Games in China as well as provide guiding information for them.

Liu Qi pointed out that the Chinese government authorities are making efforts to amend relevant laws, formulate special policies and simplify administrative approval procedures to guarantee good working conditions for foreign journalists during Games-time. These measures include:

Equipment that foreign media organizations bring into China for broadcasting and covering the sports competitions will be allowed to enter as temporary imports with tax exemption;

Temporary entry permission will be given to motor vehicles from overseas for covering the Games. Foreign journalists may apply for temporary driving permits;

Foreign accredited media may make applications through BOCOG for filming cultural relics and BOCOG will acquire permission for them from the State Administration of Cultural Relics in accordance with the required procedures;

Foreign journalists and media organizations may apply to the Press Commission of the Chinese Olympic Committee for interviews with Chinese athletes and the Commission will arrange the interview for them and provide convenience;

Accredited foreign media organizations that wish to conduct aerial filming of the Olympic competitions may send applications and detailed plans to BOCOG, who will submit the requests to relevant government authorities for approval in accordance with the required procedures;

During the Beijing Olympic Games, foreign journalists may rent housing for accommodation or offices through legal real-estate agencies.

"In addition to providing services to accredited journalists, we will establish the non-accredited media centre, providing quality services to over ten thousand non-accredited journalists and facilitating their work and living in Beijing," the president concluded.

Kevan Gosper, chairman of International Olympic Committee Press Commission extended his appreciation to BOCOG for its efforts to provide outstanding services to the world media.

Chaired by BOCOG executive vice president Jiang Xiaoyu, the opening session was attended by 320 media representatives, including those from world-class news agencies such as AFP, AP and Reuters.

Also attended were Zhang Haitao, deputy director of the State Administration of Radio, Fim, and Television, Cai Fuchao, member of the standing committee of the Beijing Municipal CPC Committee and director general of the commitee's publicity department, Liu Jingmin, vice mayor of Beijing and BOCOG executive vice president, and Tang Xiaoquan, director of China Disabled Persons' Federation and BOCOG executive vice president.

Kevan Gosper delivers a speech.

BOCOG executive vice president Jiang Xiaoyu chairs the meeting.

The attendees listen attentively.