(BEIJING, May 16) -- The Coordination Commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad -- Beijing 2008 -- held the sixth plenary session in Beijing on May 16th.

Scene of the meeting

As from the fifth plenary meeting of the coordination commission, key preparatory work for the Beijing Olympics has been advancing smoothly on schedule, said Liu Qi, president of the Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG).

Liu, who is also member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the CPC, told attendants at the meeting that BOCOG has tackled some primary issues since the last meeting, which include the torch relay plan, pre-Games and Games-time news covering of the foreign media in China, and the preliminary plan for ticketing.

He attached great importance to this year's preparatory work, saying that BOCOG will devote its effort to the following four undertakings.

First of all, BOCOG will bring into play its structural advantage and push forward the transition of the preparatory system and mechanism towards the needs of the venue operations.

Secondly, BOCOG will bolster up works on some key areas. BOCOG will continue its effort to confirm the design plan for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics whilst getting ready for the upcoming ISF Women's Softball Championships in Beijing and the World Sailing Championships in Qingdao. BOCOG will also enhance communications with the international sports federations (IFs), national and regional Olympic committees (NOCs), and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

Furthermore, the organizers will strengthen eco-environment and infrastructure construction in an effort to create an excellent urban environment. BOCOG will fast-track the construction on all the new Olympic venues and facilities, with an aim to complete main structural parts of the new venues, Olympic Village, Media Village and Conventional Center.

Finally, BOCOG will enhance its work on Olympic promotion and education, particularly among the country's 400 million students.

During the meeting, Vice Mayor of Beijing and BOCOG Executive Vice-President Liu Jingmin presented a report on the latest Olympic progress.

Commission chairman Hein Verbruggen expressed his satisfaction on the preparation progress, saying that the preparatory work had moved a long way ahead. Verbruggen also disclosed his surprise following his tour to the Olympic venues earlier today, as he rated the venues "magnificent".

During the three-day meeting, the coordination commission will provide support to BOCOG and the two sides will hold talks with BOCOG on the topics including venue operations, competition schedule, media services, culture and ceremonies, medical services and security matters.

Present at the meeting were Liu Peng, minister of the General Administration of Sports, president of the Chinese Olympic Committee and BOCOG executive president, and Deng Pufang, president of China Disabled Persons' Federation and BOCOG executive president.

Commission Chairman Hein Verbruggen presided over the meeting.

Liu Qi speaks at the meeting.

Scene of the meeting