Welcome to "Countdown to the GZ Asian Games". I am David Keyton and there are 378 days to go before the Games begin.

French Companies Interested in Asian Games Projects
The Guangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee (GAGOC) welcomed yesterday (October 29) a French delegation led by French Minister of Economy, Industry and Employment, Mrs. Christine Lagarde. The delegation was on a tour to exchange ideas with GAGOC on the construction of large-scale sport infrastructure, information technologies, security and ticket services. They also tried to explore the possibilities for further communication and cooperation.

15 candidates Asian Games theme songs to be announced
The large-scale music event, the "Asian Games China Tour,"concluded yesterday in Hangzhou. GAGOC will soon announce a selection of 15 candidates on the theme of the Asian Games, and from these 15, one will be chosen to become the official theme song for next year¡¯s sporting event. The China tour was launched in Nanjing earlier this month, aiming to promote the Asian Games to different cities in China. Beginning January, the tour will resume with concerts in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou.

First project in Bai'etan Economic Circle to be completed by 2010
A Waterfront Ecological Business Area, a novelty for Guangzhou, will be set up beside Bai'etan next year. The Waterfront Ecological Business Area is the first project to be initiated in the Bai'etan Economic Circle. The old factories and storehouses originally owned by State-Owned Enterprises will be redesigned, redecorated and undergo a complete transformation before becoming a luxury centre for fashion brands as well as high-end hotels and office buildings. With a total investment of over 1 billion yuan, these seven parks will be completed before the opening of the Asian Games next year.