Chinese State Councilor Chen Zhili Tuesday urged full preparations to be made for the 28th conferenceof the World Heritage Committee slated for June 28 to July 7 in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province.

Preparations have been going on smoothly, said Chen at Tuesday's meeting on the preparation work.

So far, Suzhou has completed environmental protection work and construction of buildings where the conference would be held. Organization and reception work is also ready.

The preparation at the early stage has improved people's awareness of protecting cultural heritage, said Chen, also head ofthe leading group of preparation work.

The preparation work has entered the crucial stage and concerned departments should pull all their efforts to get ready for the conference, said the state councilor.

This is the first time for the World Heritage Committee to holdits annual conference in China. This international cultural conference would give a stage to show China's long history and profound culture, said Chen.

Meanwhile, the conference would show the efforts and achievements of the Chinese government in protecting the common heritage of human beings and promoting mutual understanding and friendship between different peoples, said the state councilor.

Source: Xinhua