The Ningxia international investment and trade fair and the first Sino-Arabian economic forum will be held September 26 to 30 in Yinchuan.

Founded in 2006 as a local exhibition, the fair was recognized by the State and international corporations last year.

The annual event has promoted development in Ningxia by leaps and bounds, said its organizing committee.

"It has created a golden opportunity for domestic and foreign guests to visit Ningxia, know Ningxia, and invest in Ningxia," committee officials said in a statement.

Last year's six-day session attracted more than 270,000 visitors from 81 countries and regions. Nearly 170 cooperative projects were signed.

The fair hosts commodity exhibitions, trade exchange events, investment talks and high-level forums. It is a bridge between China and the rest of the world, said organizers.

Special attention will be given to promoting investment and friendly exchange with Arab League countries and Muslim trade areas.

This year's featured events include the China (Wuzhong) conference for Hui merchants and the Wuzhong summit for Chinese-Muslim entrepreneurs.

A variety of other events will emphasize Hui and Muslim cuisine and culture.

Promotional activities are set for the Arabian states and China's provincial, municipal, and autonomous regions. The trade fair and Sino-Arabian forum are sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce, the China International Trade Promotion Committee and the Ningxia government.

(China Daily September 6, 2010)