CHENGDU, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- A think tank forum in China has called for international cooperation and exchanges.

The forum, organized by the China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration and the municipal government of Chengdu, opened Thursday in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province. More than 120 scholars and representatives from think tanks and media from 18 countries took part in the event.

The forum aims to push for international cooperation and exchanges in tackling global issues, according to Wang Gangyi, a senior researcher on contemporary studies of China and the world.

Think tanks should strengthen research and provide products that help handle major issues in international economic and political development, global social development, and innovation, said Guo Weimin, deputy head of the State Council Information Office.

Dmitry Baryshnikov, vice dean of the School of International Relations under Russia's Saint-Petersburg State University, said think tanks that focus on the Belt and Road Initiative can pay more attention to political cooperation and strategic planning, infrastructure, and cooperation in economy, trade and finance.

"Science, education and culture are also areas worth attention," Dmitry said.

A series of sub-forums will also be held during the event, where participants will discuss the Belt and Road Initiative, reform and opening-up policies, among other topics.