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Ms. Yan Xiaopei
Vice Mayor of Shenzhen
Executive Vice Chairman of the 26th Universiade Bidding Committee of Shenzhen
Deputy Director of the 26th Universiade Executive Bidding Committee of Shenzhen
Mr. President,
Mr. Secretary General,
Distinguished Members of the Executive Committee,
Good morning!
As you have seen in the film, given a chance, Shenzhen will create a miracle. Shenzhen is ready to deliver a magnificent sporting experience of the Universiade.
I have been a professor in universities for nearly 30 years and I have always had a keen interest in university sports. As vice mayor, I am in charge of education and city planning. I always feel myself closely associated with life on campus. I feel very privileged to represent Shenzhen and share with you some information about this beautiful city.
Situated to the south of the Tropic of Cancer, Shenzhen is a beautiful city beside the sea in the south of Guangdong Province and east of Pearl River Estuary. Separated from Hong Kong by a strip of water, Shenzhen is only 45 minutes’ drive away from it. Shenzhen is a modern metropolis featuring a mix of ancient culture and modern one. It has a 5000-year history. Amidst the forest of high rises, one can find temples of more than 1,000 years, or houses of generals who lived several hundred years ago. However, as a modern city, Shenzhen is young, just 26 years old. It grew from a small border town with a population of around 30,000 to a modern prosperous metropolis where people live in peace and prosperity and a good environment. Shenzhen’s economy has been developing very rapidly, supplying sufficient resources that we are able to provide the public services and facilities required for the Universiade. Shenzhen is one of the main gateways of China to the world. It has 17 seaports, land ports and airports, including the country’s biggest land passenger port and freight port. You can see that the city is fully capable of handling with efficiency the entry and exit of those coming for the Universiade. Within one-hour drive from Shenzhen, you can reach Hong Kong, Macao, Guangzhou and five neighboring cities. In this area, we have China’s largest cluster of airports that handles the biggest flow of passengers. To be more specific, there are five international airports, more than 100 international air routes and 600 international flights daily. During the Universiade, special arrangements will be made to facilitate the transportation of people connected to FISU. By 2010, the city will have built 150 kilometers of subway, 500 public transport lines and a network of 20 expressways. For the Universiade, we shall provide convenient transport service by designating “green channels” and specially dedicated shuttle buses.
With regard to accommodation, Shenzhen has 250 star-rated hotels. By 2011, we shall have at least 1,000 star-rated hotels. The modern hotels, restaurants, shopping centers and tourist spots will greet all our friends from abroad with warm hospitality to make them feel at home.
In terms of environment, 43.2 per cent of the city is covered by greenery. The per capita green area is 15 square meters. The municipal government plans to invest 12.2 billion US dollars in 20 major environment projects before 2010 with a view to further improving the environment. As a result, in 2011, Shenzhen will provide a cleaner and more comfortable environment for the athletes.
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