Yinchuan will hold the Second China-Arab States Economics and Trade Forum from Sept. 21 to 25. Wang Zhengwei, chairman of Ningxia, was interviewed on Aug. 25 about this coming event.

Q: Ningxia is the host of the forum. What was the thinking behind this arrangement?

Wang: Ningxia is China's only Hui autonomous region at a provincial level. This means Ningxia is the largest region in China that shares the same cultural tradition with Arab states. This unique bond makes Ningxia the best host for this forum. Besides, western regions are among the last in China to open up to the world, therefore Ningxia needs to take this opportunity to catch up.

Q: What will Ningxia, or China, possibly gain from this forum?

Wang: The forum provides a platform where China and the Arab states can deepen business cooperation, so the benefit is mutual. Besides, Ningxia will make favorable policies to attract more Arabic investors. I have full faith in Ningxia to become a modern and open region.