The China Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) Network for International Exchanges (CHINANGO) was inaugurated in Beijing on Wednesday in a bid to coordinate NGOs in international exchanges.

The organization consists of national organizations and individuals who are capable of participating in international NGO activities.

In recent years, the NGOs around the world are playing greater roles in international affairs. But Chinese NGOs' participation in international affairs is still in bud, said a representative from the United Nations Association of China.

He Luli, president of the Chinese People's Association for Peace and Disarmament (CPAPD), highlighted the importance of non-governmental diplomacy at the opening ceremony of the CHINANGO.

The CHINANGO will help facilitate China's non-governmental diplomacy and promote exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and international NGOs, said He, who is also vice chairwoman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress.

(Xinhua News Agency October 27, 2005)