Beijing Party Secretary Liu Qi announced on Thursday that Hong Kong would like to host one of the 2008 Olympic Games events.

Liu and Mayor Wang Qishan are heading a delegation at a top-level Beijing-Hong Kong economic cooperation symposium being held in the special administrative region.

Liu said that Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa and Timothy Fok, chairman of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, had both proposed the same idea on separate occasions.

Liu said the idea reflects the Hong Kong people's strong desire to participate in the 2008 Olympics.

He noted that the central government and the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) fully understand the sincere wishes of the people of Hong Kong, but that decision-making authority did not rest with BOCOG.

"Nevertheless, it does not mean we cannot pursue this matter further," Liu said.

When asked whether there would be good news soon, Liu smiled as he said, "Just wait and see."

Separately, Timothy Fok said that he believes the chances for Hong Kong to organize an event are good.

"Hong Kong is an international city and people are supportive of the Beijing Games... I believe the chances will not be slim," he said.

Fok pointed out that the International Olympic Committee would decide which event Hong Kong could host.

(China Daily September 3, 2004)