IBI Chairman meets SPT Guests

Mr. Tu Xingjian, Chairman of Invest Beijing International (IBI), met visiting Chairman of the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), Scotland, Mr. Alistair Watson and his delegates on Sept. 8, 2006 Both parties exchanged views and experience on the planning, construction, operation and management of urban transport infrastructure facilities, and explored cooperative opportunities.

Mr. Tu expressed his warm welcome towards the Scottish guests and briefed on IBI s objectives, visions, missions and main achievements. Mr. Watson thanked Mr. Tu for his hospitality and gave a brief introduction on the nature, organization and responsibilities of SPT. At the request of the Scottish guests, officials from Beijing Municipal Development and Reform Commission and Beijing Infrastructure Investment Co. Ltd., made a presentation on the current situation, operation and development plan of transport infrastructure, especially with respect to the preparation of 2008 Olympic Games.

SPT is the regional transport partnership (RTP) for the West of Scotland. It is one of seven RTPs established under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 covering the country. The Strathclyde Partnership for Transport takes over the roles and functions of the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority and Executive, in charge of delivering public transportation service for the population of 2.5 million in the region, including long-strategic planning and routine management.

Attending the meeting also include officials from Beijing Municipal Development and Reform Commission and Beijing Infrastructure Investment Co. Ltd., and a staff member from CBBC s Beijing office.

Through this visit, mutual understanding was enhanced, common recognition reached. It has laid a solid foundation for future cooperation between IBI and SPT in such areas as planning, construction, operation and management of urban transport facilities.