(BEIJING, May 17) -- "We not only strive to stage a high-level distinguishing Olympic Games, but also take the opportunity to push forward the economic development and raise the level of people's living conditions," a high-ranking official of the Organizing Committee for the 29th Olympic Games (BOCOG) told the Japanese journalist in an interview on Wednesday.

Jiang Xiaoyu (left) at interview with Yomiuri Shimbun.

The 2008 Games' role to drive local economic development will be given full play, said BOCOG Executive Vice-President Jiang Xiaoyu.

Statistics show that some 1.8 million new jobs will be created as a result of the Games, he told Yomiuri Shimbun reporters.

Beijing has been engageing in transport and other infrastructure construction and in efforts to improve housing conditions, he said. Initial results have been shown in Beijing's environmental control and citizens' living conditions are improving, he added.

Furthermore, he said, the Olympic Games will open up Beijingners' vision to help them know better about multi-cultures of the world, and a large number of sport facilities will become good recreational places for the public after the Games.

Jiang answered in detail questions on preparations for the Olympiad, the progress in the construction of transport facilities and the level of Chinese people's support for the Games.

Scene of interview