Vice-Premier Liu Yandong called for enhanced international exchange and cooperation in museums.

Liu made the remarks on Nov 10 at the opening ceremony of an international museum forum held in Shenzhen in south China’s Guangdong province.

President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory letter to the forum.

Liu said China has made museum development a national cultural strategy, and so far a comprehensive and diverse museum system with multiple levels has been established in China.

These museums host more than 20,000 exhibitions, attracting 700 million visitors each year, and have played an active role in social and economic development, Liu said.

Liu said it is a common task for all countries to properly build, protect and use museums, which can help spread culture.

The forum is co-hosted by UNESCO, the National Commission of the People’s Republic of China for UNESCO, the State Cultural Relics Bureau and Shenzhen Municipal Government. It was attended by more than 200 world-renowned museum experts.