Liu Qi, President of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) and Jacques Rogge, president of International Olympic Committee (IOC) addressed the opening ceremony.

BOCOG President Liu Qi

In his opening remarks, President Liu, on behalf of the BOCOG, expressed warm welcome to representatives and the Chefs de Mission from over 200 countries and regions to participate in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Since its founding in 2001, BOCOG has cemented sound co-operation with other national and regional Olympic committees (NOCs) as well received guidance and help in many fields, Liu said. "The holding of the seminar aims to conduct face-to-face exchanges and help BOCOG listen to advices and suggestions for preparation of the 2008 Olympic Games."

According to Olympic practice, the seminar is held one year before the Olympic Games, aiming at briefing NOCs on the progress of the preparatory work for the Olympics, hearing NOCs' views and suggestions and fostering communication and exchange among members of the Olympic Family.

Liu said that the preparatory work for the Beijing Olympic Games has played a tremendous role in promoting the capital's economic and social development.

He stressed that BOCOG will follow three principles in the provision of Olympic services, namely, to abide by IOC rules and international practice; to adopt a unified standard in treating all foreign guests and to respect individuality by paying attention to detailed service.

Focal efforts will be made to the protection of environment, traffic service, ticketing, the arrival and departure of service, services at the Olympic Village, medical treatment, enrollment of volunteers as well organization of "Good Luck Beijing" sport events, said the president.

IOC President Jacques Rogge

"The IOC believes more than ever that the Games offer a great legacy for China to manage and sustain," said Rogge in his speech. "Bringing Olympic values to one fifth of the world's population is arguably one of the most exciting projects in Olympic history."

Rogge said the Games provide the opportunity not only to enjoy sporting excellence but also a chance for people to learn more about a city and country on the global stage.

He noted that IOC will pay further attention to doping controls in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. In total, 4,500 tests will be conducted, that is a 90.76 per cent increase since Sydney, he stressed.

As to environmental issues, Rogge said BOCOG has done "a fantastic job" and "programmes driven by the Games related to environment are building best-practice examples not just for today but for future generations in China."

Noting that air quality is a challenge for Beijing's preparation for the Games and that IOC is paying much attention, Rogge said BOCOG has outlined a number of contingency plans to put into effect next year if necessary.

"It is important to stress that our Chinese colleagues are doing their utmost to deal with this challenge," he said. "We are very hopeful the matter will be tackled effectively."

(From L to R) Liu Qi, Jacques Rogge, Hein Verbruggen

The three-day Chefs de Mission Seminar is one of the most important meetings of the Olympic Movement, which also attracted representatives of relevant IOC bodies, major international sport federations, hosts of 2010 Olympic Winter Games and 2012 Olympic Summer Games, and Chinese and foreign media.

Scene of the seminar