 Beijing could move some 2008 Olympic events to Hong Kong |
Organisers of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing are seeking to cut up to �400m from the costs of building venues. The cost-cutting measures come after Beijing mayor Wang Qishan warned it could cost more than �1.7bn to build the required facilities.
The biggest change so far is to the main stadium, which will no longer have an expensive retractable roof.
Organisers could also move some sports, such as the equestrian events, to Hong Kong in a bid to spread the costs.
The central authorities understand the Hong Kong people are keen to take part in the Games.
"The decision cannot be made by the Beijing Olympic Committee alone but this is not something that can't be pursued," said Beijing's Communist Party Secretary Liu Qi.
Beijing is also planning to spend more than �12bn on infrastructure projects in the run-up to the Games, including the subway system, the airport and new roads and energy facilities.
MMIX
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