President Hu Jintao visited the port city of Qingdao yesterday to inspect preparatory work for the 2008 Olympic Games' sailing event.

He praised the organizers for having cleared green algae that had invaded the venue.

At the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, Hu visited an exhibition on the event's preparatory work, and listened to reports on venue construction, organization, logistics and environmental protection.

Later, he visited a training center and talked with foreign athletes preparing for the Games there.

Two local companies, including home appliance firm, Haier Group, and a candle-maker, were also on his itinerary.

(China Daily July 21,2008 )