Q: It is now four years since Beijing hosted the Olympic Games. What have been the biggest effects – economically and politically for the Chinese government in hosting the Games? Do you see London and the UK enjoying similar benefits?

A: The Beijing Olympics was a milestone in China’s development. It was China’s long-held dream coming true to show its commitment to the Olympic spirit. It was a symbol of China’s maturity, openness and progress. It left a lasting legacy. China after the Beijing Olympic Games is more focused on peaceful development. As a result China is more open and committed to co-operation in its endeavour to achieve peaceful development. China is pledged to working with people of all countries to secure a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity.?

I believe London Olympic Games will also have a positive impact on Britain in many fields. Apart from the visible legacy, such as improved infrastructure and impressive sports venues, it will play a huge role in boosting the British economy and sports industry. It will also promote to the world Britain’s diversified culture and increase mutual understanding between British people and those of all countries around the world.?

Q: Has the government been able to quantify these benefits? Do you have any statistics that help show the benefits??

A: The 2008 Olympic Games has clearly played a huge role in promoting Beijing’s economic and social development. The seven years from 2001, when preparations started, to 2008 saw the longest and steadiest growth of Beijing’s economy. I can give you some examples.

First, it stimulated fast economic growth. Between 2002 and 2007, Beijing’s annual growth rate averaged 12.4%. That was 1.9% higher than the figures between 1996 and 2001. In 2007, Beijing’s total economic size doubled compared to its 2001 level.?

Second, it greatly advanced a positive shift in Beijing’s growth model. The share of value-added generated by the service sector in its GDP rose from 67% in 2001 to 72% in 2007.

Third, it created jobs, raised people’s income and improved people’s lives. From 2002 to 2007, the employed population in Beijing increased by more than 300,000 every year. There was basically no unemployment. In 2007, per capita disposable income of Beijing’s urban population reached 21,989 RMB (￡2198.9). That was up by 89.9% on the 2001 level.

Fourth, it speeded up Beijing’s urbanisation process. From 2002 to 2007, a total of 400 billion RMB (￡40 billion) was invested in infrastructure development. There was an average annual growth rate of 18.3%. The sum was also 2.3 times the total investment between 1996 and 2001. The effect was remarkable, in particular in upgrading transport infrastructure. The impressive Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport is the best example.

Q: Was the experience of the Beijing Olympics what you were expecting? What were the biggest surprises that the Beijing Olympics created??

A: The biggest benefit of the Beijing Olympics was that it helped enlighten people around the world about the progress of Chinese society. It created a new landmark in China’s development process.

The Beijing Olympics coincided with the anniversary of the thirty years of reform and opening up in China. Hosting the Games showcased China’s advances and rising self-confidence. It was viewed as China’s debut on the world stage and sent out a strong message on China’s commitment to reform and opening up. The 2008 Games placed China on the global stage. This focus in the global spotlight helped China cope with much greater attention from around the world in a calm and confident way as befits a major country.?

The 2008 Games also brought China’s engagement with the world to a higher level. It demonstrated China’s sincerity and strong sense of responsibility to the world. It also displayed the world’s confidence in China.

Looking back, I can say that we had a?catalogue of happy surprises during the Games: the spectacular ‘Bird Nest’ and ‘Water Cube’; the spectacular opening ceremony; the stunning performance of athletes and the quality and warmth of service from the volunteers. But for me, the happiest surprise is its legacy for China as a nation that I have already mentioned. I have no doubt the Beijing Olympic Games will go down in history as a milestone in China’s development.?

Q: What do you think were the biggest challenges that the Beijing Olympics had to confront? Are any of these challenges replicated at the London Olympics??

A: This was the first time China had hosted the Olympic Games. So, we faced huge challenges in many aspects. Not long before the Games, a massive earthquake hit China’s Sichuan province and inflicted heavy casualties. In addition, the sub-prime mortgage crisis had already broken in the United States and dealt a heavy blow to global financial markets. Lehman Brothers was on the brink of collapse. The world economy was at a tipping point toward recession. While sparing no effort in earthquake rescue and relief and tackling the financial crisis, the Chinese government and people also made great efforts to prepare for the Games. We kept our word and presented a wonderful Games. In fact there were misgivings about China’s ability. But what happened proved such concerns unwarranted. The Beijing Olympic Games were not only a success, but also better than many had expected.

A successful Olympic Games in London will meet the aspiration of not only the British people, but also people throughout the world. This is the third time Britain has played Olympic host. So, the UK is a much more experienced host than China. Of course, like any previous Games, pressure will be enormous in organising, security and logistics. But I trust London will create a new success in Olympic history.