The founding ceremony of the Beijing Translators Association was held at Beijing International Studies University on Saturday. It is the only academic nonprofit social organization in the field of translation in the capital.

Ji Jinbiao, deputy Party secretary and principal of Beijing International Studies University, said the university has been actively conducting translation teaching research and performing social services.

"We have gained valuable experiences via these activities," he said. "In the future, Beijing International Studies University will provide solid guarantees for the development of the organization and promote the healthy development of the translation industry in Beijing, making more contributions to the capital as the nation's international communications center."

Liu Yuhong, vice-president of the Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, said the founding of the translators association has provided a professional team for the capital to meet the needs of international communications in the new era.

"This organization will play an important role in telling Chinese stories and bringing Chinese voices to the world, as well as enhancing the effectiveness of international communications," Liu said.

Xu Hejian, spokesman for the Beijing municipal government, said the association is expected to play a role in telling stories about China and Beijing well. It will cultivate a team of translators with excellent business abilities and the great responsibility to make a professional contribution to major international events.

"The organization will play a crucial role in hosting the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, building up a smooth channel for cultural communications between China and the rest of the world," he said.

The Beijing Translators Association was officially approved by the Civil Affairs Bureau in November.

Li Jiawen contributed to this story.