An interview with Rashid Alimov, the ambassador of Tajikistan to China

Host: Is there any Chinese athlete that you like? Which sports event do you like best?

Rashid Alimov: I like to play tennis; I practice it a lot. My eldest son likes football and he plays it a lot, too. My youngest son loves basketball and is naturally a fan of Yao Ming, the famous Chinese basketball star. At the launching ceremony for the book, we invited some celebrities from Chinese sports circles. I was so pleased to meet them. I sincerely hope that Chinese athletes will do well in the Games. I will not only support the athletes from my own country but also those from China.

Host: In this period of Olympic preparations, what has satisfied you the most? I mean, of the services that will be offered before and after the games, such as transportation. What do you think Beijing's government and people can improve?

Rashid Alimov: I think the Beijing government is pretty clear about its duty. Everything that is being done is done for the comfort of the participants and guests of the Olympic Games. Of course there are still areas that need improvement, such as traffic, air quality and the environment. Also, security is very important.

There is no doubt that the Beijing Olympic Games will be a great success. Regardless of which area you look at, whether it is organizational or security, this summer's Games will be a magnificent milestone in Olympic history. We are firmly convinced that no one can destroy it.

Host: This is our last topic. The internet has developed in a big way in China and across the globe. It has not only changed people's lives but has also changed the way the Olympics are being promoted. Sohu has become the Internet sponsor of the Games, which has never happened before in Olympic history. Do people in Tajikistan have easy access to the Internet? How do you and your family use the Internet to promote the Beijing Olympics.

Rashid Alimov

Rashid Alimov: The internet has become a part of people's lives. In the past, news was spread through the post offices and horses, then by trains, planes, and telegraphs. And now the Internet. Of course, this has had a huge impact on the telecommunications industry. These days it is hard to imagine life without the Internet. The internet provides fast access to quality information. The internet is developing in Tajikistan in leaps and bounds, just as it is in China.

But some problems are inevitable. Ninety-three percent of our territory is mountainous, which poses an obstacle. And internet access is still expensive. But these things will get better as the Internet develops.

Many Internet cafes and most colleges in my country provide free Internet access.

As for having an Internet sponsor for the Olympics, I think it is a sign of the times. As I said before, our website has an Olympic column, which I think is wise. It shows our respect for the Games and our intention to promote the ideals of the Olympics. In order to let people know about the preparatory work, we included our Internet address on the back of the book. This is a small contribution to the large amount of work you are doing.

Host: Thank you so much Mr. Ambassador, for coming to the official website of the Olympic Games and sharing with us so many wonderful things. I think all of our Chinese friends online appreciate all that you and your country have done for the Games.

We'd also like to extend our warmest welcome to the President of Tajikistan and to its people as they prepare to join us for the Olympics.

We have run out of time. We hope all our online Chinese friends will join us for the next installment of our interview series, "China Through the Eyes of Foreigners." We hoped you enjoy all our interviews. Thank you!