Beijing's Chang'an Avenue in the early 1980s. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Many offices and public venues had to be closed down for safety concerns. At times, for convenience, the tendering team for the Beijing Games gathered at Van Kerckhove's home office to hold discussions.

"Some major projects, including the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube, were discussed at my home," says Van Kerckhove.

Van Kerckhove still maintains close ties with, and offers consultancy to, several central government and Beijing municipal departments.

"I have a big mouth and a bit of courage," says Van Kerck-hove, explaining how he won the trust of the Chinese government.

"My approach is simple. I offer what is good and bad for them, and give opinions honestly and complain constructively. Then I offer solutions and start working."

For his contributions to the development of China and the local economy, he has received a number of prestigious awards and appointments from the Chinese government.

He received the Friendship Award from the central government in 2005. The award is the highest honor given to foreigners who have made significant contributions to China's development.

After spending decades in China, he has accumulated keen insights about Chinese culture, society and government administration.

Nowadays, he is a frequent speaker on a large variety of topics related to the Chinese economy, business environment, society, mentality and the urban development of Beijing.

He gives briefings to business executives and lectures in a few Chinese universities.