In an exciting new venture, AITA has become a Sino-Australia bridge for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The venture began in April 2001, when AITA hosted and organized an important ceremony in Beijing, attended by a large number of dignitaries from Australia and China, to sign a document pledging support for Beijing's bid for the Olympic Games. Many key Chinese organizations were represented including:
The Chinese Mayoral Association
The Chinese Foreign Enterprises Association
The Trade Investment Committee
The Chinese Zhong Shi Association
The ceremony was attended by almost 200 people, representing nearly 100 cities and local councils from China and Australia as well as a large number of trade and promotions organizations and other businesses from 18 cities throughout China.
The opening speech of the ceremony was made by Mr Tao Siliang, Secretary of the Chinese Mayoral Association, followed by Mr Lin Jingmin, Deputy Mayor of Beijing and Vice-Chairman of the Olympic Bid Committee. Other speeches and messages of support were given by Mr Michael Guo, Chief Representative of AITA in China and several Australian and Chinese Mayors. Great enthusiasm and strong support were expressed for a successful bid by Beijing to host the 2008 Olympic Games.
Following the speeches, Ms Nikki Webster, the young Australian Performer who starred in the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, presented Mr Liu Zemin, Deputy Chairman of the Beijing Olympic Bid Committee with a "lucky" koala. Nikki then thrilled the crowd with a stirring rendition of "Under the Sky".
The grand finale of the ceremony was when all present signed their names on a red silk cloth in a show of solidarity and support for Beijing's Olympic bid.
As we now know, the bid was successful and the 2008 Olympic Games will be held in Beijing. This will mean many opportunities across the world for businesses to be involved with Beijing and other parts of China. Many business such as tourism, international trade, educational and cultural exchanges, to name but a few, will flourish. AITA is the key to maximizing your opportunities with China and capitalizing on the Beijing Olympics.
We were there at the beginning and we'll be there at the end! To find out more about how AITA can assist your business become involved in the Beijing Olympics, contact an AITA Office.
Welcome to Beijing
Nikki Webster, a star of the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, sang "Under the sky" at a Signing Ceremony organised by AITA to show support for Beijing's Olympic Games bid.
Mr.LiuJingming,Executive Vice President of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Bid Committee,receive the mascot by Ms.Nikki Webster,pop singer on Sydny Olympic Games On the"Ceremony in Supporting Beijing's Bid for the 2008 Olympic Games"