Cross-strait tourism develops fast

The inaugural mainland tour group headed by the chairman of the Chinese mainland's Cross-Straits Tourism Communication Association Shao Qiwei is about to conclude their visit in Taiwan. Shao Qiwei said both sides across the Taiwan Strait will take measures to further regulate the tourism market between the mainland and Taiwan.

Shao Qiwei said Taiwan boasts abundant tourism resources and unique cultural resources, which were big attractions for mainland tourists. He called for profound tours for mainland visitors to Taiwan.

Shao Qiwei, Chairman of Cross-Straits Tourism Communication Association, said, "We can develop some recreation and vocation tourism products in the next phase. Mainland tourists could divide their tours in Taiwan into several visits, so each time they are allowed to have more time to experience the island's beauty and culture."

The 26 inaugural tour groups have all seen their visits go smoothly. Shao Qiwei said both sides need to further improve the tourism market and gradually strengthen regulation on it.

Shao Qiwei suggested that tourism industries on both sides would improve information sharing systems and establish emergency response plans, to ensure mainland visitors' legitimate rights and interests. He also stressed the importance of integrity in both mainland and Taiwan tourism business.

Shao Qiwei also met with Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation Chairman Chiang Pin-kun on Thursday. Chiang said he hoped more flights and terminals would be launched to bring more mainland visitors to Taiwan. Shao Qiwei says the prospects for tourist cooperation across the straits are bright.

Beijing builds energy-saving projects for Olympic

With the 2008 Olympics just four weeks away, Beijing is making last minute preparations. Local authorities are making full efforts to ensure a better environment and energy saving.

The Beijing Municipal Commission of Development and Reform said on Thursday it has launched various measures to reduce energy-consumption. These include developing service sectors like software and finance, and boosting industrial upgrades. Meanwhile, it has asked Shougang Group, the city's key steel maker, to move into a neighboring province. It has also closed a series of high energy-consuming enterprises. The municipal government also said it has been encouraging all social forces to contribute to energy-saving.

Wang Haiping Deputy Director of Beijing Municipal Com. of Development and Reform, said, "We have invested 30 million yuan to encourage the use of over 2 million energy-saving lamps. So far, they have all been used in public service areas, such as primary and middle schools, hospitals and subways."

The local economic watchdog is also vowing to put another 5 million energy-saving lamps into use before July 30th. They will help save over 200 million degrees of electricity. That's equivalent of saving more than 80-thousand tons of standard coal.

Regarding pollution from vehicle emissions, Beijing authorities said they have renovated 50-thousand taxis and buses. And another 4,000 environmentally-friendly buses have also been introduced.

Du Shaozhong, Vice Director of Beijing Municipal Environment Protection Bureau", said, We are also considering setting up a special fund for energy-saving. Besides, we will make full efforts to encourage enterprises to take on their social responsibility of saving energy."

In addition, designers and maintainers of Olympic venues have also both gone all out to protect the city's environment.

The Chinese government has put forward "Green Olympics" as one of the three themes for 2008 Olympic Games. It's aimed to use preparation as a catalyst to enhance the sustainable, coordinated development of the economy and the whole society. It's also in a bid to raise the public awareness of protecting the environment.