There was an inaugural conference for the China-Arab States Expo Advisory Committee, on June 8, in the city of Yinchuan, Ningxia?Hui autonomous region?to discuss the Expo, which opens in September as one of six major Chinese government foreign events and an important part of its "Opening to the West" policy especially in relation to the Arab world.

Liu Hui, chairman of the Ningxia Hui autonomous region and head of the Expo's organizing committee, addressed the gathering and emphasized its significance in increasing cooperation with the Arab world and Islam, and its importance for the "One Belt and One Road" program, and how improving it and extending its influence are the main areas of concern at present.

Liu went on to say that the advisory committee will work on improving the 'co-host' approach where they take turns holding it, and building a 'Silk Road in the air, on the road, and via website to break traditional limits and make this expo a leader'.

Taking part in the inauguration were Nimes Shibri, director of the Arab League Representative Office, and Wu Sike, a former Chinese ambassador for Middle East issues.