Winter Olympics will be a major boost: Officials

Volunteers sign names on banners in a park in Beijing to support the joint bid by Beijing and Zhangjiakou for the 2022 Winter Olympics. Wang Lili / Xinhua

Despite uncertainties about the popularity of winter sports in China, the joint bid by Beijing and Zhangjiakou for the 2022 Winter Olympics remains solid amid a belief the international competition would boost regional cooperation in economic development and pollution control, said officials.

After the Chinese Olympic Committee announced the joint bid in November, questions about the wisdom of Beijing and neighboring Hebei province's ability to hold the prestigious event have been raised by pundits and the media.

However, experts and officials agreed the benefits will far outweigh any negative effect.

Preparing for the event will inspire Beijing and Hebei, geographically surrounding the Chinese capital, to stand firmly together against common issues such as air pollution, said Yang Xiaochao, vice-mayor of Beijing.

"If we share a common goal, it's easier to battle against the severe haze, which has affected all of North China, by cooperating," Yang said.

To improve the air quality, Yang said Beijing and Hebei will work closely in monitoring, analysis and research issues.

As part of the joint effort, Hebei province will complete the demolition of 18 cement powder-making plants and 377 storage silos by the end of March, reducing the high-polluting product by 9.1 million tons.

Hou Liang, mayor of Zhangjiakou, supported Yang, saying more State support and funds will be granted to tackle pollution because of the Olympic bid.

Not only the environment but also the economic development of the province will be fueled if the central government offers more preferential policies and budget support, said Liu Jingmin, executive vice chairman of Beijing Olympic City Development Association.

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