New think tank network expected to deepen academic exchanges

President Xi Jinping has emphasized the importance of participating countries sharing ideas about the Belt and Road Initiative in order to drive its development.

He was speaking ahead of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which begins on Thursday in Beijing.

He made the remarks in a congratulatory letter to mark the inauguration on Wednesday of the Belt and Road Studies Network, which consists of think tanks and other similar institutions from around the world.

Xi stressed that the establishment of the network provides an important platform for think tanks to enhance the exchange of ideas and be able to offer effective consulting services to policymakers.