China, ASEAN deepen cooperation in smart library construction

The 18th China-ASEAN Cultural Forum is held in Nanning on June 19. [Photo provided to en.gxzf.gov.cn]

The 18th China-ASEAN Cultural Forum took place in Nanning, capital of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on June 19, gathering guests from China, ASEAN countries and relevant international organizations to share their new attempts and measures in promoting reading.

The forum was jointly held by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the People's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism Rao Quan said in a video during the event that China is willing to promote the Silk Road International Library Alliance and strengthen international exchanges and cooperation with countries alongside the Belt and Road, including ASEAN countries, in smart library construction. It will also promote the collation and development of Silk Road documents, the training of librarians and the promotion of ancient books.

Rao expressed the hope that China will join hands with ASEAN countries to establish the China-ASEAN Library Alliance and promote cooperation in all aspects of the library field.

At present, traditional libraries are being transformed into smart libraries and a new stage of information sharing is emerging. Officials from Thailand and Laos have expressed their desire to work closely with ASEAN member states and China on smart libraries.

Shi Zhongjun, secretary-general of the ASEAN-China Center, said that China and ASEAN countries can strengthen their policies and experience sharing. They will also improve the cooperation mechanism and in-depth research on the integration of digital intelligent technology and library management, as well as promote mass reading practices more efficiently.

Several libraries from China and ASEAN countries proposed the establishment of the China-ASEAN Library Alliance to carry out deep cooperation on aspects like strengthening library personnel exchanges and training, sharing technical resources, and integrated innovation and development.

The alliance called on all parties to strengthen the construction of regional cooperation platforms, carry out multi-field and multi-channel dialogues, and jointly discuss coping strategies on library transformation and change. It aims to contribute to the inclusive development of libraries, and achieve common development.

As a high-level forum of the China-ASEAN Expo, the China-ASEAN Cultural Forum has been held for 18 sessions.