駐英大使劉曉明接受奧運主題專訪

Q: It is now four years since Beijing hosted the Olympic Games. What have been the biggest effects – economically and politically for the Chinese government in hosting the Games? Do you see London and the UK enjoying similar benefits?
記者：目前距北京奧運會已四年。你認爲，北京奧運會對中國經濟、政治方面最大的影響是什麼? 奧運是否會給倫敦以及英國帶來同樣的積極效應？

A: The Beijing Olympics was a milestone in China’s development. It was China’s long-held dream coming true to show its commitment to the Olympic spirit. It was a symbol of China’s maturity, openness and progress. It left a lasting legacy. China after the Beijing Olympic Games is more focused on peaceful development. As a result China is more open and committed to co-operation in its endeavour to achieve peaceful development. China is pledged to working with people of all countries to secure a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity.
劉曉明大使：北京奧運會對中國的發展進程具有重要意義。它不僅圓了中國的百年夢想，也是中國在不斷髮展過程中心態更加成熟的標誌。它使中國更加自信，更加開放，更加進步。雖然北京奧運會已經結束，但這種積極的影響一直在延續。北京奧運會後的中國，更加致力於和平的發展、開放的發展、合作的發展，致力於同世界各國人民一道，建設持久和平、共同繁榮的和諧世界。

I believe London Olympic Games will also have a positive impact on Britain in many fields. Apart from the visible legacy, such as improved infrastructure and impressive sports venues, it will play a huge role in boosting the British economy and sports industry. It will also promote to the world Britain’s diversified culture and increase mutual understanding between British people and those of all countries around the world.
我相信，倫敦奧運會也將給英國帶來許多積極效應。除了有形的奧運遺產，如基礎設施建設、體育場館等，倫敦奧運會對促進英國經濟和體育產業發展，展示英國豐富多元文化，促進英國與世界各國人民的相互瞭解和交流都將發揮積極作用。

Q: Has the government been able to quantify these benefits? Do you have any statistics that help show the benefits?
記者：中國政府是否有相關的量化數據來概括奧運給北京及中國帶來的積極影響？

A: The 2008 Olympic Games has clearly played a huge role in promoting Beijing’s economic and social development. The seven years from 2001, when preparations started, to 2008 saw the longest and steadiest growth of Beijing’s economy. I can give you some examples.
劉大使：奧運會對北京經濟社會發展的影響十分明顯。從2001年奧運會開始籌辦到2008年舉辦奧運會的7年，是改革開放以來北京經濟發展穩定性最好、快速發展持續時間最長的一段時期。奧運經濟在其中發揮了重要作用。

First, it stimulated fast economic growth. Between 2002 and 2007, Beijing’s annual growth rate averaged 12.4%. That was 1.9% higher than the figures between 1996 and 2001. In 2007, Beijing’s total economic size doubled compared to its 2001 level.
一是帶動經濟高速增長。2002～2007年，北京經濟年均增長率達到12.4%，比1996～2001年的平均增速提高了1.9%。2007年經濟總量較2001年翻了一番。

Second, it greatly advanced a positive shift in Beijing’s growth model. The share of value-added generated by the service sector in its GDP rose from 67% in 2001 to 72% in 2007.
二是有力推動了北京經濟發展方式的轉變。北京服務業增加值佔 GDP比重由2001年的67%提高到2007年的72%。

Third, it created jobs, raised people’s income and improved people’s lives. From 2002 to 2007, the employed population in Beijing increased by more than 300,000 every year. There was basically no unemployment. In 2007, per capita disposable income of Beijing’s urban population reached 21,989 RMB (£2198.9). That was up by 89.9% on the 2001 level.
三是促使就業崗位大量增加，帶動了居民收入的較快增長和人民生活質量的明顯提升。2002～2007年，北京市從業人數年均增加30萬人以上，基本上消除了城鄉零就業家庭。2007年北京市城鎮居民人均可支配收入達到21989元，比2001年增長89.9%。

Fourth, it speeded up Beijing’s urbanisation process. From 2002 to 2007, a total of 400 billion RMB (£40 billion) was invested in infrastructure development. There was an average annual growth rate of 18.3%. The sum was also 2.3 times the total investment between 1996 and 2001. The effect was remarkable, in particular in upgrading transport infrastructure. The impressive Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport is the best example.
四是加速城市現代化水平的提升。2002～2007年，北京基礎設施投資累計達到4014.7億元，年均增長18.3%，相當於1996～2001年投資總額的2.3倍。新建了世界上單體規模最大的T3航站樓，城市綜合交通體系更加完善。

Q: Was the experience of the Beijing Olympics what you were expecting? What were the biggest surprises that the Beijing Olympics created?
記者：北京奧運會給中國帶來的經歷是什麼？是中國政府事先所期待的經歷嗎？北京奧運會創造的最大驚喜是什麼？

A: The biggest benefit of the Beijing Olympics was that it helped enlighten people around the world about the progress of Chinese society. It created a new landmark in China’s development process.
劉大使：北京奧運會對中國最大的影響就是推動了中國社會迅速成熟進步，爲中國發展進程樹起了新的界標。

The Beijing Olympics coincided with the anniversary of the thirty years of reform and opening up in China. Hosting the Games showcased China’s advances and rising self-confidence. It was viewed as China’s debut on the world stage and sent out a strong message on China’s commitment to reform and opening up. The 2008 Games placed China on the global stage. This focus in the global spotlight helped China cope with much greater attention from around the world in a calm and confident way as befits a major country.
北京奧運會正值中國改革開放30週年，奧運會的舉辦爲30年改革開放積累的綜合國力、積澱的民族自信提供了最好的展示舞臺，書寫了改革開放的輝煌一頁。北京奧運會也因此被喻爲“改革開放成年禮”，向世界傳達了“中國將堅定走改革開放之路”的信念。更爲重要的是，奧運會的舉辦使中國在全球聚焦下日益自信，大國心態和風範亦得到塑造和錘鍊。

The 2008 Games also brought China’s engagement with the world to a higher level. It demonstrated China’s sincerity and strong sense of responsibility to the world. It also displayed the world’s confidence in China.
同時，藉助奧運平臺，中國搭建了與世界各國交流的新窗口，展現出成熟、包容、開放、自信的心態，凸顯了中國對世界的誠意和責任，以及世界對中國的信任，中國與世界的交往也從此進入了一個新的境界。我想，這正是中國政府所期待的。

Looking back, I can say that we had a catalogue of happy surprises during the Games: the spectacular ‘Bird Nest’ and ‘Water Cube’; the spectacular opening ceremony; the stunning performance of athletes and the quality and warmth of service from the volunteers. But for me, the happiest surprise is its legacy for China as a nation that I have already mentioned. I have no doubt the Beijing Olympic Games will go down in history as a milestone in China’s development.
回顧北京奧運會，可謂驚喜不斷。無論是壯闊的“鳥巢”、“水立方”，輝煌的開幕式，還是運動員出色的成績，志願者有序的組織，無不給人留下深刻的印象。但我心目中最大的驚喜，還是奧運會對中國的上述影響。北京奧運必將作爲中國發展的里程碑，在中國歷史上留下光輝的一筆。

Q: What do you think were the biggest challenges that the Beijing Olympics had to confront? Are any of these challenges replicated at the London Olympics?
記者：你認爲舉辦北京奧運會最大的挑戰在哪？倫敦奧運會是否會面臨同樣的挑戰？

A: This was the first time China had hosted the Olympic Games. So, we faced huge challenges in many aspects. Not long before the Games, a massive earthquake hit China’s Sichuan province and inflicted heavy casualties. In addition, the sub-prime mortgage crisis had already broken in the United States and dealt a heavy blow to global financial markets. Lehman Brothers was on the brink of collapse. The world economy was at a tipping point toward recession. While sparing no effort in earthquake rescue and relief and tackling the financial crisis, the Chinese government and people also made great efforts to prepare for the Games. We kept our word and presented a wonderful Games. In fact there were misgivings about China’s ability. But what happened proved such concerns unwarranted. The Beijing Olympic Games were not only a success, but also better than many had expected.
劉大使：2008年是中國首次舉辦奧運會，可想而知，我們在許多方面都面臨巨大挑戰。北京奧運會前夕，四川汶川發生特大地震，造成數以萬計的人員傷亡。與此同時，美國次貸危機已經爆發並對國際金融市場造成巨大沖擊，雷曼兄弟正搖搖欲墜，世界經濟由盛轉衰，形勢十分嚴峻。中國政府和人民在全力投入抗震救災、妥善應對次貸危機等工作的同時，積極籌備北京奧運會，最終給世界呈現了一次精彩的奧運盛會。北京奧運會前，曾也有人擔心中國能否順利舉辦北京奧運會。事實證明，人們的擔心是多餘的，北京奧運會不僅順利、成功，而且超出了大多數人的預期。

A successful Olympic Games in London will meet the aspiration of not only the British people, but also people throughout the world. This is the third time Britain has played Olympic host. So, the UK is a much more experienced host than China. Of course, like any previous Games, pressure will be enormous in organising, security and logistics. But I trust London will create a new success in Olympic history.
2012年在倫敦舉辦一次成功的奧運會不僅是英國人民，也是世界人民的期盼。和中國相比，英國已是第三次舉辦奧運會。當然，在組織、安全及後勤保障等方方面面，倫敦奧運會將象歷屆奧運會一樣都面臨巨大壓力。但我相信，倫敦將是奧運史上又一個書寫成功的盛會。Q: What is your favourite memory of the Beijing Olympics?
記者：你個人對北京奧運會留下的最美好的記憶是什麼？

A: The people of different colours, language and ethnicity gathered in Beijing. We shared the joy of the Olympics. We joined hands in pursuing peace. This is where the beauty of the Beijing Olympic Games lies. It turned ‘One World, One Dream’ from a motto into reality. It is the perfect example of the Olympic spirit: solidarity, friendship, progress, harmony, participation and dream.
劉大使：北京奧運會最美好之處在於，不同膚色、不同語言、不同種族的人們，在北京共同分享奧林匹克的魅力與歡樂，共同追求着人類和平的理想，它使“同一個世界，同一個夢想”的北京奧運口號轉化爲現實，完美體現了奧林匹克精神的實質和普遍價值觀——團結、友誼、進步、和諧、參與和夢想。

Q: What do you think is the overall impression people within China think of Beijing now?
記者：中國人現在對北京的總體印象如何？

A: Beijing is China’s national political and cultural centre. It is also one of the financial and commercial hubs in China. It is the largest base of scientific research and academic centre of China.
劉大使：北京是中國的政治、文化中心，也是中國最重要的金融中心和商業中心之一。北京還是全國最大的科學技術研究基地、全國高等院校的中心。

In addition, Beijing has a history of more than three thousand years. It is a city with one of the largest concentrations of cultural heritage in the world. So, by any standard, Beijing holds an extremely important position in China.
作爲有着3000年曆史的國家歷史文化名城，北京同時是全球擁有世界文化遺產最多的城市。從各個時期、各個角度看，北京在中國都佔據着重要的地位。

I believe every Chinese would use the word ‘great’ when they talk about Beijing. This greatness comes from two aspects.
因此，在這種歷史積澱下，中國人談到北京，普遍的看法是“大氣”。這種“大氣”體現在兩方面：

First, modernisation. In 2011, Beijing’s GDP topped 1.6 trillion RMB (£160 billion). Per capita GDP exceeded $12,000. It is estimated that in five years Beijing’s per capita GDP will reach about $20,000. That will be close to the level of medium developed countries.
一是現代化。2011年北京市GDP超1.6萬億元，人均GDP逾1.2萬美元。預計5年後，人均GDP達到2萬美元左右，接近中等發達國家水平。

Second, internationalisation. 76 of the world’s top 500 companies have their headquarters in Beijing. Places like the ‘Financial Street’ and CBD are the hallmark of China’s openness and economic prowess. Beijing is now making tremendous efforts to draw talent and expertise from around the world. The aim is for Beijing to become a capital of international events, multinational companies and world class talents.
二是國際化。世界500強企業中共有76家總部位於北京；金融街、北京商務中心區等商務區更是北京對外開放和經濟實力的象徵。北京還在努力提高吸引和聚集國際高端要素的能力，努力建設國際活動聚集之都、世界高端企業總部聚集之都、世界高端人才聚集之都。

Q: What do you think is the overall impression people outside of China think of Beijing now?
記者：外國人現在對北京的總體印象如何？

A: There is a saying: “There are a thousand Hamlets in a thousand people’s eyes.” It would be more fitting to ask a foreigner this question.
劉大使：有一句話說得好：“一千個人眼中有一千個哈姆雷特”，你這個問題恐怕由外國人回答更爲恰當。

In my view, if anyone wants to know more about Beijing, he should go to see Beijing. Of course if he cannot go in person, there are many sources of information about Beijing in London. Not long ago the Beijing Culture Week was held in London, which included various events showcasing Beijing’s culture, arts and folk customs. Activities like this are the best chance for you to experience Beijing in London.
我認爲，想要了解北京，最好是去北京走一走、看一看。當然，如果不能親自去，在倫敦也有許多關於北京的介紹。比如7月23-29日在倫敦舉辦的“北京文化周”就是一次好機會。來自北京的演藝、文化人士在這裏舉辦了“多彩北京—藝術與民俗展”、“魅力北京”圖片展以及“燕京之夜”綜藝晚會等多場活動。我高興地看到許多英國民衆出席了這些活動，近距離地認識北京。

Q: Do you think people will change their opinion of London after the London Olympics? If so, in what way?
記者：倫敦奧運會後人們對倫敦的印象是否會有所改變？如果有，是什麼？

A: With the great efforts of the Organising Committee and wide support from countries around the world, the London Olympic Games will deliver a sports and cultural carnival. London is lucky to have both modern sports facilities and great historical buildings side by side. This combination means London can impress the world as a city of exceptional modern and historical heritage. The 2012 Games will offer an excellent stage for Britain to show its cultural heritage. The many innovative concepts applied in preparing for and running the Games will also build up London’s image as a creative city.
劉大使：在倫敦奧組委的精心籌備以及世界各國的廣泛參與支持下，2012年倫敦奧運會必將爲全世界獻上一場體育和文化盛宴。倫敦現代場館設施與歷史古典建築交相輝映，倫敦“古典與現代完美融合之城”的特色將更爲彰顯。倫敦將奧運會打造成展示英國豐厚文化遺產的舞臺，倫敦“文化之城”的魅力將更爲彰顯。奧運籌備和舉辦過程中新穎的設計不勝枚舉，倫敦“創意之城”的美譽將更爲彰顯。

Q: What are the biggest risk or challenges that London faces in hosting these Games?
記者：倫敦舉辦奧運會面臨的最大風險或挑戰是什麼？

A: Hosting the Olympic Games is a huge logistical project. It involves immense tasks with transportation, security and planning. Ensuring a smooth and successful Olympic Games is a big challenge for every host. The London Games is no exception. The British government, London Olympic Organising Committee and all the other official bodies involved have made tremendous efforts. I wish the London Olympics a great success.
劉大使：舉辦奧運會是一項龐大複雜的系統工程,涉及交通、安保、後勤保障等各個方面。確保奧運會安全、順利舉行，對每一屆奧運會東道主來說都是一個巨大挑戰，倫敦奧運會也不例外。英國政府和倫敦奧組委及其他有關部門爲籌備奧運做出了巨大努力，祝願倫敦奧運圓滿成功。

Q: The Olympic Games creates an environment for political and business leaders around the world to converge. How will Chinese politicians use the London Olympics?
記者：奧運會給各國政要、商界領袖提供了一個互動交流的平臺。中國政要將如何利用本屆倫敦奧運會？

A: The Olympic Games is not only an occasion for athletes to show their sporting skills. It is also a good opportunity for people around the world to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship. The Chinese government places high importance on the London Olympics and encourages Chinese athletes to create new records. Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo attended the Opening Ceremony of the London Olympics as representative of the Chinese government. China sent to London a large sports delegation of more than 600 people. During the Games, we have held Beijing Culture Week, the seminar on the development of Olympic cities and many other activities to spread Chinese culture and introduce the latest achievements of Beijing. The Chinese Olympic Committee and the Chinese embassy have for the first time set up a ‘China House’ during a Summer Olympic Games to show China’s progress in the Olympic movements and introduce China to the British public. We hope the London Olympics will lead to better mutual understanding between Chinese and British people and greater exchanges and co-operation between China and UK in urban development, sports and economy.
劉大使：奧運會不僅是各國運動員展示體育技能的盛會，也是各國人民增進相互瞭解和友誼的良機。爲體現中國政府對倫敦奧運會的重視，鼓勵中國健兒勇創佳績，中國國務委員戴秉國作爲中國政府代表出席了倫敦奧運會開幕式。中國還派出由600多人組成的大型體育代表團參加倫敦奧運會。倫敦奧運會期間，中方已舉辦“北京文化周”、第四屆北京奧運城市發展論壇等多場推廣中國文化和介紹北京城市發展的活動。中國奧委會和中國大使館也首次在夏季奧運會上設立“中國之家”，展示奧林匹克在中國的推廣和普及成果並向英國公衆推介中國。我們希望，倫敦奧運會成爲增進中英兩國人民相互瞭解，促進中英雙方在城市發展、體育、經貿等各領域交流合作的良機。

Q: How will Chinese businesses benefit from the London Olympics?
記者：中國商業界將從本屆倫敦奧運會獲得什麼好處？

A: It is fair to say that London Olympic Games has offered many opportunities and delivered real benefits for the Chinese business community.
劉大使：應該說，倫敦奧運會爲中國商業界提供了很多現實收益和商業機會。

First, some Chinese companies have been granted franchises to market Olympic products or allowed to become a sponsor. Examples are many. The Beijing Huajiang Culture Development Co. Ltd won the franchise to sell 2012 Olympic pins. The Shanghai Haobo Chair Co. Ltd secured the order of seats for Olympic venues. The Beijing Crystal Computer Graphics Company became one of the sponsors and the official digital imaging services supplier of the London Games. While contributing to the success of the Games, these companies also reaped commercial profits.
一是部分中國企業獲得了倫敦奧運會特許經營業務或提供贊助服務。如北京華江文化發展有限公司贏得倫敦2012年奧運會徽章類別獨家特許經營權，上海浩博椅業獲得奧運主場館等賽場觀衆座椅生產訂單，北京水晶石數字科技股份有限公司贊助商爲倫敦奧運提供數字圖像服務，在爲倫敦奧運做服務的同時，也收穫了商業利益或名譽。

Second, many Chinese entrepreneurs see the London Olympic Games as a platform for business matching activities. In concurrence with the opening of the Games, the British government has initiated a China Business Day. It has drawn more than 100 private business leaders from China. More than 30 of them are members of the China Entrepreneur Club. These business leaders will visit many places in Britain and interact with their British counterparts. They will draw inspiration from such exchanges and explore more ways to strengthen co-operation with British businesses.
二是不少中國企業家藉助倫敦奧運平臺來歐洲展開交流和洽談。英國政府配合奧運開幕主辦的“中國商業日”活動，吸引了100多家中國民營企業家參訪，其中包括“中國企業傢俱樂部”的30多位行業精英，除參加當天的多場論壇和洽談外，這些中國企業家還將參訪英國各地，與英國同行開展交流和學習，啓發靈感和智慧，探索進一步加強中英經貿合作的新途徑。

Third, Chinese companies have taken this opportunity to go global by scaling up their investments in Britain and the whole Europe. It is the right time for Chinese companies to explore British and European markets. London is a global financial hub. It can be a springboard for Chinese companies to go to Europe. Britain holds out great investment opportunities in engineering, creative industry, life science and pharmaceutics. Statistics show that since January last year, Chinese companies have invested in UK about £3.5 billion through joint share holding or merger and acquisition. The growth has been truly impressive.
三是中國企業藉機“走出去”，加快投資英國和歐洲。目前，中國企業進軍歐洲和英國市場正逢其時。倫敦擁有世界金融中心和歐洲跳板的優勢，英國的高級工程、基礎設施、零售餐飲、文化創意、生命科技及醫藥等領域也具有諸多有價值的投資機會。據有關中介機構統計，中國大陸企業自去年1月以來，在英國已完成或正在進行的參股或併購投資約35億英鎊（合約54億美元），增長十分迅速。

Q: How can London learn from the Beijing Olympic experience?
記者：倫敦奧運會應該從北京奧運會中汲取什麼經驗？

A: There is no uniform criteria for the success of Olympic Games. As long as the host presents interesting and creative ideas and athletes bring out their best in competitions, then the Games will be successful. One hundred years before Beijing became an Olympic host for the first time, London had already hosted the fourth Games. On top of that, London has twice hosted the Olympic Games. So London is already a veteran host city! I understand that each Games will face different problems and challenges. We would be glad to share with British friends our experience in the Beijing Games. I hope and I believe that with the concerted efforts of the British government and people, London will surely deliver a successful Olympic Games.
劉大使：奧運會辦得成功與否沒有唯一的標準，只要東道主辦出特色和水平，運動員在賽場上有卓越的表現，這就是一屆成功的奧運會。北京舉辦第29屆奧運會的100年前，倫敦就已經舉辦了第4屆奧運會，而且這次是倫敦第三次舉辦奧運會。可以說，倫敦在舉辦奧運會方面有着豐富經驗。當然，每一屆奧運會都會面臨新的問題和挑戰。中方願與英方分享北京奧運會的成功經驗。我希望並且相信，在英國政府和人民的共同努力下，倫敦同樣能舉辦一屆有特色、高水平的奧運會。