The State Council Information Office (SCIO) will provide better facilities for journalists to cover China in the coming year, Minister Cai Wu said.

Addressing a New Year reception last night, Cai said the coming year will witness the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, key stages of the preparation work for the 29th Olympics Games, and the 10th anniversary of the return of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

"Understandably the world is paying close attention to China and the media want to know more about the country," Cai said.

A new set of regulations on reporting activities in China by foreign journalists during the Beijing Olympic Games has recently been announced. It will allow them to cover policy, economy and society related to the Games.

"The country will meet all our promises to the world and welcome overseas media to come to China," Cai said.

According to Cai, the country's governmental news briefing mechanism has made progress during the past year.

"Although we held fewer news briefings in 2006, but more minister-level personnel held press conferences, and provided more in-depth information to the media," Cai said.

He said this would help change governmental functions and facilitate the transparency of the government.

Cai also mentioned that many government bureaux have held regular new briefings under the mechanism, a practice to be promoted in the coming year.

While chatting with overseas reporters, Cai suggested that they report more about China's development strategies in an objective and comprehensive way.

Cai also said he would like to thank all the journalists who have helped the world know China better through accurate and objective reporting.

About 300 guests from Chinese and foreign media organizations, diplomatic missions, ministries and commissions under the central government, and commercial firms were present.

David Wilder, bureau chief of MarketNews International, said China's progress in opening up its media had made it easier for him to obtain information during his three-year stay in China.

"As for the regulations on reporting activities of the 29th Olympics Games, if all related bureaux can enforce it, it would help us better report about China and let the world know better about China," Wilder said.