"From the experience of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, we know that Beijing has the ability to handle the air pollution problem."

Wan Gang, minister of science and technology, speaking in an interview on Saturday, adding that joint efforts were needed to tackle the worsening pollution problem in the capital. Wan said Beijing's experience in 2008 proved the city could make the change. Government data showed that over the 16 days of the Games, 10 days had Grade I and six days Grade II air quality, the best in the past decade. Beijing suspended operation of many factories and lowered the number of cars on the roads during the Games.