Beijing Welcomes International Service Companies: Mayor

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 ◆ Beijing Welcomes International Service Companies: Mayor

International service companies are welcome to do business in Beijing after China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Beijing Mayor Liu Qi told visiting former U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher in Beijing Thursday.

Liu said that Beijing's economy has maintained a good momentum and foreign-funded companies have developed vigorously in recent years. This year alone has seen the establishment of over 700 foreign-funded organizations in the city.

Liu said companies in the fields of insurance, finance, law and consultation are invited to open offices in Beijing.

China's entry into the WTO will give Beijing's service industrymore opportunities for growth, Liu said.

The Beijing municipal government has expected a remarkable growth of the service industry in the next few years, which will promote the development of culture and tourism, Liu said.

He stressed that the bidding for the construction of dozens of athletic venues for the 2008 Olympic Games will be open to the world in line with common international practices, adding that experts on project consultation are urgently needed now.

Christopher said he would be glad to be of help to Beijing in its preparations for the 2008 Games and the city's urban development.(Xinhua News Agency)