驻英大使刘晓明接受奥运主题专访

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?
 记者：目前距北京奥运会已四年。你认为，北京奥运会对中国经济、政治方面最大的影响是什么? 奥运是否会给伦敦以及英国带来同样的积极效应？

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.
刘晓明大使：北京奥运会对中国的发展进程具有重要意义。它不仅圆了中国的百年梦想，也是中国在不断发展过程中心态更加成熟的标志。它使中国更加自信，更加开放，更加进步。虽然北京奥运会已经结束，但这种积极的影响一直在延续。北京奥运会后的中国，更加致力于和平的发展、开放的发展、合作的发展，致力于同世界各国人民一道，建设持久和平、共同繁荣的和谐世界。

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，伦敦奥运会也将给英国带来许多积极效应。除了有形的奥运遗产，如基础设施建设、体育场馆等，伦敦奥运会对促进英国经济和体育产业发展，展示英国丰富多元文化，促进英国与世界各国人民的相互了解和交流都将发挥积极作用。

Q: Has the government been able to quantify these benefits? Do you have any statistics that help show the benefits?
记者：中国政府是否有相关的量化数据来概括奥运给北京及中国带来的积极影响？

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.
 刘大使：奥运会对北京经济社会发展的影响十分明显。从2001年奥运会开始筹办到2008年举办奥运会的7年，是改革开放以来北京经济发展稳定性最好、快速发展持续时间最长的一段时期。奥运经济在其中发挥了重要作用。

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.
一是带动经济高速增长。2002～2007年，北京经济年均增长率达到12.4%，比1996～2001年的平均增速提高了1.9%。2007年经济总量较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.
 二是有力推动了北京经济发展方式的转变。北京服务业增加值占 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.
 三是促使就业岗位大量增加，带动了居民收入的较快增长和人民生活质量的明显提升。2002～2007年，北京市从业人数年均增加30万人以上，基本上消除了城乡零就业家庭。2007年北京市城镇居民人均可支配收入达到21989元，比2001年增长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.
 四是加速城市现代化水平的提升。2002～2007年，北京基础设施投资累计达到4014.7亿元，年均增长18.3%，相当于1996～2001年投资总额的2.3倍。新建了世界上单体规模最大的T3航站楼，城市综合交通体系更加完善。

Q: Was the experience of the Beijing Olympics what you were expecting? What were the biggest surprises that the Beijing Olympics created?
记者：北京奥运会给中国带来的经历是什么？是中国政府事先所期待的经历吗？北京奥运会创造的最大惊喜是什么？

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.
 刘大使：北京奥运会对中国最大的影响就是推动了中国社会迅速成熟进步，为中国发展进程树起了新的界标。

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.
北京奥运会正值中国改革开放30周年，奥运会的举办为30年改革开放积累的综合国力、积淀的民族自信提供了最好的展示舞台，书写了改革开放的辉煌一页。北京奥运会也因此被喻为“改革开放成年礼”，向世界传达了“中国将坚定走改革开放之路”的信念。更为重要的是，奥运会的举办使中国在全球聚焦下日益自信，大国心态和风范亦得到塑造和锤炼。

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.
 同时，借助奥运平台，中国搭建了与世界各国交流的新窗口，展现出成熟、包容、开放、自信的心态，凸显了中国对世界的诚意和责任，以及世界对中国的信任，中国与世界的交往也从此进入了一个新的境界。我想，这正是中国政府所期待的。

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.
回顾北京奥运会，可谓惊喜不断。无论是壮阔的“鸟巢”、“水立方”，辉煌的开幕式，还是运动员出色的成绩，志愿者有序的组织，无不给人留下深刻的印象。但我心目中最大的惊喜，还是奥运会对中国的上述影响。北京奥运必将作为中国发展的里程碑，在中国历史上留下光辉的一笔。

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?
记者：你认为举办北京奥运会最大的挑战在哪？伦敦奥运会是否会面临同样的挑战？

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.
 刘大使：2008年是中国首次举办奥运会，可想而知，我们在许多方面都面临巨大挑战。北京奥运会前夕，四川汶川发生特大地震，造成数以万计的人员伤亡。与此同时，美国次贷危机已经爆发并对国际金融市场造成巨大冲击，雷曼兄弟正摇摇欲坠，世界经济由盛转衰，形势十分严峻。中国政府和人民在全力投入抗震救灾、妥善应对次贷危机等工作的同时，积极筹备北京奥运会，最终给世界呈现了一次精彩的奥运盛会。北京奥运会前，曾也有人担心中国能否顺利举办北京奥运会。事实证明，人们的担心是多余的，北京奥运会不仅顺利、成功，而且超出了大多数人的预期。

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年在伦敦举办一次成功的奥运会不仅是英国人民，也是世界人民的期盼。和中国相比，英国已是第三次举办奥运会。当然，在组织、安全及后勤保障等方方面面，伦敦奥运会将象历届奥运会一样都面临巨大压力。但我相信，伦敦将是奥运史上又一个书写成功的盛会。

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.
刘大使：北京奥运会最美好之处在于，不同肤色、不同语言、不同种族的人们，在北京共同分享奥林匹克的魅力与欢乐，共同追求着人类和平的理想，它使“同一个世界，同一个梦想”的北京奥运口号转化为现实，完美体现了奥林匹克精神的实质和普遍价值观——团结、友谊、进步、和谐、参与和梦想。

Q: What do you think is the overall impression people within China think of Beijing now?
记者：中国人现在对北京的总体印象如何？

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.
刘大使：北京是中国的政治、文化中心，也是中国最重要的金融中心和商业中心之一。北京还是全国最大的科学技术研究基地、全国高等院校的中心。

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.
作为有着3000年历史的国家历史文化名城，北京同时是全球拥有世界文化遗产最多的城市。从各个时期、各个角度看，北京在中国都占据着重要的地位。

I believe every Chinese would use the word ‘great’ when they talk about Beijing. This greatness comes from two aspects.
因此，在这种历史积淀下，中国人谈到北京，普遍的看法是“大气”。这种“大气”体现在两方面：

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.
 一是现代化。2011年北京市GDP超1.6万亿元，人均GDP逾1.2万美元。预计5年后，人均GDP达到2万美元左右，接近中等发达国家水平。

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.
 二是国际化。世界500强企业中共有76家总部位于北京；金融街、北京商务中心区等商务区更是北京对外开放和经济实力的象征。北京还在努力提高吸引和聚集国际高端要素的能力，努力建设国际活动聚集之都、世界高端企业总部聚集之都、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?
记者：外国人现在对北京的总体印象如何？

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.
刘大使：有一句话说得好：“一千个人眼中有一千个哈姆雷特”，你这个问题恐怕由外国人回答更为恰当。

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.
 我认为，想要了解北京，最好是去北京走一走、看一看。当然，如果不能亲自去，在伦敦也有许多关于北京的介绍。比如7月23-29日在伦敦举办的“北京文化周”就是一次好机会。来自北京的演艺、文化人士在这里举办了“多彩北京—艺术与民俗展”、“魅力北京”图片展以及“燕京之夜”综艺晚会等多场活动。我高兴地看到许多英国民众出席了这些活动，近距离地认识北京。

Q: Do you think people will change their opinion of London after the London Olympics? If so, in what way?
 记者：伦敦奥运会后人们对伦敦的印象是否会有所改变？如果有，是什么？

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.
刘大使：在伦敦奥组委的精心筹备以及世界各国的广泛参与支持下，2012年伦敦奥运会必将为全世界献上一场体育和文化盛宴。伦敦现代场馆设施与历史古典建筑交相辉映，伦敦“古典与现代完美融合之城”的特色将更为彰显。伦敦将奥运会打造成展示英国丰厚文化遗产的舞台，伦敦“文化之城”的魅力将更为彰显。奥运筹备和举办过程中新颖的设计不胜枚举，伦敦“创意之城”的美誉将更为彰显。

Q: What are the biggest risk or challenges that London faces in hosting these Games?
 记者：伦敦举办奥运会面临的最大风险或挑战是什么？

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.
刘大使：举办奥运会是一项庞大复杂的系统工程,涉及交通、安保、后勤保障等各个方面。确保奥运会安全、顺利举行，对每一届奥运会东道主来说都是一个巨大挑战，伦敦奥运会也不例外。英国政府和伦敦奥组委及其他有关部门为筹备奥运做出了巨大努力，祝愿伦敦奥运圆满成功。

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?
记者：奥运会给各国政要、商界领袖提供了一个互动交流的平台。中国政要将如何利用本届伦敦奥运会？

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.
刘大使：奥运会不仅是各国运动员展示体育技能的盛会，也是各国人民增进相互了解和友谊的良机。为体现中国政府对伦敦奥运会的重视，鼓励中国健儿勇创佳绩，中国国务委员戴秉国作为中国政府代表出席了伦敦奥运会开幕式。中国还派出由600多人组成的大型体育代表团参加伦敦奥运会。伦敦奥运会期间，中方已举办“北京文化周”、第四届北京奥运城市发展论坛等多场推广中国文化和介绍北京城市发展的活动。中国奥委会和中国大使馆也首次在夏季奥运会上设立“中国之家”，展示奥林匹克在中国的推广和普及成果并向英国公众推介中国。我们希望，伦敦奥运会成为增进中英两国人民相互了解，促进中英双方在城市发展、体育、经贸等各领域交流合作的良机。

Q: How will Chinese businesses benefit from the London Olympics?
记者：中国商业界将从本届伦敦奥运会获得什么好处？

A: It is fair to say that London Olympic Games has offered many opportunities and delivered real benefits for the Chinese business community.
刘大使：应该说，伦敦奥运会为中国商业界提供了很多现实收益和商业机会。

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.
一是部分中国企业获得了伦敦奥运会特许经营业务或提供赞助服务。如北京华江文化发展有限公司赢得伦敦2012年奥运会徽章类别独家特许经营权，上海浩博椅业获得奥运主场馆等赛场观众座椅生产订单，北京水晶石数字科技股份有限公司赞助商为伦敦奥运提供数字图像服务，在为伦敦奥运做服务的同时，也收获了商业利益或名誉。

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.
 二是不少中国企业家借助伦敦奥运平台来欧洲展开交流和洽谈。英国政府配合奥运开幕主办的“中国商业日”活动，吸引了100多家中国民营企业家参访，其中包括“中国企业家俱乐部”的30多位行业精英，除参加当天的多场论坛和洽谈外，这些中国企业家还将参访英国各地，与英国同行开展交流和学习，启发灵感和智慧，探索进一步加强中英经贸合作的新途径。

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.
三是中国企业借机“走出去”，加快投资英国和欧洲。目前，中国企业进军欧洲和英国市场正逢其时。伦敦拥有世界金融中心和欧洲跳板的优势，英国的高级工程、基础设施、零售餐饮、文化创意、生命科技及医药等领域也具有诸多有价值的投资机会。据有关中介机构统计，中国大陆企业自去年1月以来，在英国已完成或正在进行的参股或并购投资约35亿英镑（合约54亿美元），增长十分迅速。

Q: How can London learn from the Beijing Olympic experience?
记者：伦敦奥运会应该从北京奥运会中汲取什么经验？

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.
 刘大使：奥运会办得成功与否没有唯一的标准，只要东道主办出特色和水平，运动员在赛场上有卓越的表现，这就是一届成功的奥运会。北京举办第29届奥运会的100年前，伦敦就已经举办了第4届奥运会，而且这次是伦敦第三次举办奥运会。可以说，伦敦在举办奥运会方面有着丰富经验。当然，每一届奥运会都会面临新的问题和挑战。中方愿与英方分享北京奥运会的成功经验。我希望并且相信，在英国政府和人民的共同努力下，伦敦同样能举办一届有特色、高水平的奥运会。