Beijing will host an international forum on Olympic gymnasium construction and management on April 18. As the second "Market Promotion Conference of Olympic Economy," the forum will publish information on Olympic gymnasium building materials and equipment, and promote investment in post-game management enterprises.

According to Liu Zhi, vice director of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Development & Reform, the purchase of building materials and equipment for Olympic gymnasiums and supporting facilities will be launched on a comprehensive scale this year.

The conference will publish tender information on Olympic gymnasium construction, in addition to information on IT applications, intelligent construction and outdoor facilities. This includes standards for building materials, construction structures, fixtures and equipment for main buildings, special floor timber, lawns and tennis courts, and supporting facilities, such as stand seats and lighting.

Energy conservation and environmental protection will be an essential part of the conference. Liu said that the conference would welcome competitive enterprises from home and abroad, particularly those outstanding for their energy-saving and environment-friendly equipment and unique business philosophies and designs. Energy conservation, environmental protection and a recycling are a part of every Beijing 2008 Olympic Games project, and will help the city realize a "Green Olympics."

(Chinanews.cn March 19, 2005)