Beijing, IOC hold initial working session on 2008 Olympics

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 ◆ Beijing, IOC hold initial working session on 2008 Olympics

China and the International Olympic Committee recently began their first working session on the organization of the 2008 Olympics, kicking off formal preparations for China's first-ever Olympics.

Hein Verbruggen, chairman of the IOC Coordination Commission, met Beijing mayor Liu Qi and executive president of the Beijing Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (BOCOG) Yuan Weimin to discuss preparations for the Games, that were awarded to China's capital last July.

During the three-day consultations, BOCOG will go over infrastructure plans including the expansion of Beijing's subway system and the building of the Olympic Village and a totally new sports complex, BOCGO officials said.

The city has earmarked up to US$23 billion in infrastructure projects in the years running up to 2008, including ambitious environmental protection projects, new subway lines and a light rail system.

In the coming years, BOCOG will also spend billions of dollars on the Games, including building 19 of the 32 planned Olympic venues and a 488 million dollar "Olympic Green" housing the Athletes' Village and the main stadium.

The other 13 venues will be renovated ahead of the event.