Why China

The economy of the People's Republic of China is a rapidly developing and influential market economy. China is the third largest economy in the world after the US and Japan with a nominal GDP of US$4.4 trillion (2008) when measured in exchange-rate terms. It is the second largest in the world after that of the United States with a GDP of $7.8 trillion (2008) when measured on a purchasing power parity (PPP) basis. China has had the fastest-growing major economy for the past 30 years with an average annual GDP growth rate above 10%. China's per capita income has likewise grown at an average annual rate of more than 8% over the last three decades drastically reducing poverty.

The country's per capita income is classified in the lower middle category by world standards, at about $3,180 (nominal, 104th of 178 countries/economies), and $5,943 (PPP, 97th of 178 countries/economies) in 2008, according to the IMF. In other words, the country still has enormous scope for growth in years to come.

Over the years building up to the 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing and other cities have developed themselves as fully functional conference centres unparellelled by other traditional conference venues. Besides the well developed urban amenities, the historic settings and exciting culture and leisure pursuits mean Chinese cities have much to offer for delegates.