The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) announced on Tuesday that the budget for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Games will not exceed Athens' spending on them in 2004.

"Beijing has yet to figure out its budget for the ceremonies," said Jiang Xiaoyu, BOCOG executive vice president. "But it will definitely not exceed the cost of the ceremonies of the Athens Games."

He said Beijing will adhere to the principle of a "frugal Olympics" but funds needed for the opening and closing ceremonies will be put aside as they constitute key work.

Athens spent 882.7 million yuan (US$106.7 million) on the opening and closing ceremonies, according to the BOCOG.

Jiang was speaking at the launch of a search for proposals for the ceremonies that will end on July 31.

"We are looking for inspiring proposals that could turn the ceremonies into wonders," he said.

BOCOG will submit its plans for the ceremonies next year to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for approval, and the final versions will be finalized no later than May 2007, said Jiang.

The opening ceremony of the Athens Games won worldwide acclaim for its evocative tableau of 3,000 years of Greek history and culture, and registered a new record in global TV viewing, according to the IOC.

Jiang said that any interested individual or institution is welcome to submit proposals, but non-Chinese nationals or organizations are required to form consortiums with Chinese citizens or organizations.

Candidates may download proposal documents from the official BOCOG website at www.beijing2008.com.

"The ceremonies proposed should help to spread the Olympic spirit, create a jubilant atmosphere for the Games and a homecoming feeling for all participants," said Jiang.

Also yesterday, IOC President Jacques Rogge appointed Marton Simitsek, managing director of the Athens 2004 organizing committee, as a member of the coordinating committee for the 2008 Games.

Heinz Verbrugen from the Netherlands was appointed president of the committee and Kevin Gosper from Australia vice president, the Athens News Agency reported.

The coordinating committee will visit Beijing in March for its first inspection.

The opening ceremony of the Beijing Games is scheduled for August 8, 2008 and the closing ceremony for August 24.

(Xinhua News Agency, CRI.com March 2, 2005)