Wu Yingqin, executive director of the secretariat of the China-Central Asia cooperation mechanism, said that Ningxia boasts a strategic location in the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and has strength in agriculture and new energy as well as rich experience in poverty alleviation.

"This forum could provide the region with a lot of opportunities to work with Central Asian countries. They are very interested in smart agriculture, photovoltaic power and the Fujian-Ningxia model of poverty alleviation," Wu added.

Established in March in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, the secretariat aims to make preparations for the China-Central Asia summit, promote the implementation of the consensuses reached by the heads of state of the six countries, and serve the foreign ministers' meeting and the cooperation mechanism in key areas.

The forum, which was themed "Promoting Green Development and Building a Common Home", attracted more than 300 Chinese and foreign representatives. It featured subforums on industrial green development, modern agriculture and technological innovation, sister city cooperation and cultural exchange, and regional cooperation.

Contact the writers at tanyingzi@chinadaily.com.cn