YINCHUAN- China and Arabian countries opened on Wednesday a forum that aims to boost economic and trade ties.

China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin, who chairs the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, announced the opening of the forum in Yinchuan, capital city of northwest Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, which is home to more than 10 percent of China's 20 million Muslims.

The forum, now in its second year since its inauguration in 2010, will feature an array of activities, including a centerpiece conference and other sub-forums and seminars that focus on economic and trade cooperation between China and Arabian countries.