The first Olympic Logistics Symposium jointly sponsored by the University of North Carolina and Tsinghua University opened Feb. 25, bringing together more than 100 domestic and foreign logistics experts to discuss the logistical challenges posed by the 2008 Olympic Games.

The experts were from governments, universities, and academic research institutions throughout the world.

Discussions centered on such topics as how logistics enterprises in the Chinese capital and throughout the country will design appropriate logistics plans for the Games; how advanced technology will be applied in logistics; and how the logistics experience of other countries can be put to use in the organizing of the 2008 Games.

In 2004, the Engineering Department of Tsinghua organized a team of researchers to seek solutions to the logistical issues surrounding the upcoming Games. The department has taken part in the official planning projects, and has recommended a number of professors to work for the Beijing Olympic Committee.

To promote the Olympic-related logistics research projects, Tsinghua University will establish a logistics research center with University of North Carolina and plan to hold the logistics symposium annually until 2008.

Tsinghua Vice President Kang Kejun delivered a speech at the opening ceremony.

Reported by Li Cen