Contractors from China and overseas have been invited to take on the role of material and equipment suppliers for Beijing's massive Olympic projects program.

The 2008 Olympic Games Organizing Committee says quality and efficiency are key requirements in choosing their cooperation partners.

Beijing plans to start building 11 new venues for the Olympic Games this year. Construction will begin with the basketball gymnasium, located in Wukesong residential area, in the southwest of the city. A Swiss architect was commissioned to design the center.

Liu Zhongyi, general manager of the Wukesong Culture & Sports Center, said, "The construction site has been cleaned up. Water and power supply, as well as housing for workers are already in place. Construction will start in June, after final design revisions. "

Tenders have been invited to supply materials for the State Tennis Center, the Hockey Center, the Softball Center and the Baseball Center.

Tian Meng, deputy director of Beijing Olympic Construction Command Center, said, "Suppliers from home and abroad will be qualified to bid if they can provide reasonably-priced high quality products. Their bids should also be compatible with our requirements concerning construction speed."

The huge potential of Beijing's ambitious Olympic plans is regarded as a valuable business opportunity for domestic and overseas companies. As more ground is broken for construction of new Olympic venues, the competition is set to become more fierce.

Source: CCTV News