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

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

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 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 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.

1

2