The Beijing municipal government is planning a two-day trade fair in the capital beginning this weekend. It forms part of the ongoing efforts to improve and upgrade the quality of life ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games.

The event takes place on Sunday and Monday and aims to promote some 16 billion US dollars worth of investments in 376 projects. Officials say the fair will highlight the tremendous business opportunities generated by the Olympic economy.

Construction and service projects related to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games will provide over 16 billion US dollars in business opportunities. Among the 376 Olympic-related projects on offer, 23 key projects involve nearly 7 billion US dollars. Among the key projects, the largest is the operating rights for a 104-kilometer-long subway.

The promotional fair, sponsored by the Beijing Development and Reform Commission, has invited both domestic and foreign enterprises and organizations. Officials say additional investments leading up to the 2008 Olympic Game will help balance economic development in Beijing.

Meanwhile, the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympics Games says the capital is expected to make a net profit of 16 million US dollars by hosting the 2008 Olympic Games.

It says the revenues will come through seven channels. These include 800 million US dollars from the sales of broadcasting rights, 200 million US dollars from the sponsors, 400 million US dollar in business profits, and revenue from the sales of tickets and souvenirs. Furthermore, fiscal subsidies from the Chinese government, profits from the sales of sports facilities after the Games, and personal and group donations will also provide Olympic Games-related revenue. Officials say the Olympic economy will also accelerate the modernization of the Chinese capital as an international city.

Source: CCTV News