The Science and Technology Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games was
established Friday in Beijing to assist in seeking the latest and
safest technologies to meet the city's promise of a "high-tech
Games.''.
The new committee, which will serve as a top science and technology
advisory body under the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games
of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), combines 10 central governmental
departments and top scientific research institutions including the
Ministry of
Science and Technology, the Chinese Academy of
Sciences and the Chinese Academy of
Engineering.
The new committee will collect the country's "leading scientists
and experts'' in various sectors to join the preparation for the
Games, according to committee officials.
Lin Wenyi, vice-mayor of Beijing and the president of the new
committee, said Friday the committee will provide the "all-round
technological consultancy'' for BOCOG, and cover the construction
of Olympic stadiums, organization of the matches, opening and
closing ceremonies, security checks and the establishment of
information networks for the Games.
The new committee will also work closely with developers of Olympic
construction projects to add the latest technology to Olympic
facilities, Lin said.
The committee will also promote scientific information exchanges
among relevant departments and follow the latest international
technological achievements and breakthroughs that can be used in
the Olympics, said Lin.
Science and Technology Minister Xu Guanhua Friday promised that the
country will accelerate its scientific research efforts in a move
to provide the world the "best Olympiad featuring the latest
technologies.''
Xu
said the ministry will focus on nine key sectors, including the
Beijing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) strategy, electric
bus industry, clean energy supplies, satellite technology,
multi-lingual service networks, sandstorm defence, anti-drug
checks, information security and food safety.
Beijing Mayor Liu Qi also urged technology innovation by the
country's scientists and engineers to help ensure a "green,
high-tech and people's Olympiad.''
(China
Daily June 8, 2002)