A news conference is held for the 2012 China (Ningxia) International Investment and Trade Fair & the 3rd China-Arab States Economic and Trade Forum in Yinchuan, capital of Northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region, Sept 11, 2012. [Chen Ziyan / China Daily]

The 2012 China (Ningxia) International Investment and Trade Fair & the 3rd China-Arab States Economic and Trade Forum will be held from September 12 to 16 in Yinchuan, capital of Northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region, the local government said at a news conference on Tuesday.

The five-day forum incorporates 31 parts, including summit meetings, themed workshop, commodity exhibitions, economic cooperation and cultural exchange events, which aims to enhance the overall level of China-Arab’s friendly cooperation, Li Rui, vice-chairman of Ningxia Hui autonomous region, said during the news conference.

A "guest of honor" initiative was launched for the first time this year, which means an Arab country hosting as the guest of honor with the participation of Arab League member states every year.

As this year's guest of honor, The United Arab Emirates (UAE) dispatched a high-profile delegation of 113 members to the forum, Li said.

Some 7,489 guests will attend this year's fair and forum, including over 3,000 domestic and overseas exhibitors. The scale and level of the participants have been further enhanced, compared with the previous forum, said Li.