Scope of expo expanded beyond trade to include culture, tourism, Han Tianyang reports.

The first China-Arab States Expo will open on Sept 15 in Yinchuan, capital city of the Ningxia Hui autonomous region.

Comprising multiple business forums and exhibitions, the five-day event is designed to promote cooperation between China and the Arab countries in key areas like agriculture, energy, education, tourism and finance.

"Ningxia is an important stop on the Silk Road, where the Chinese and Arab civilizations have traditionally interacted on each other, and the Hui people in Ningxia share many similarities in terms of culture, religion and customs with the Arab people," said Liu Hui, chairwoman of the autonomous region.

"Therefore, Ningxia has distinct geographical and cultural advantages for promoting friendly cooperation between China and the Arab countries," she said.

Last year, the State Council approved a plan to construct an inland opening-up pilot economic zone in Ningxia and a bonded area in its capital city Yinchuan, making the autonomous region a spearhead in the drive to internationalize the economy and promote exchanges.