Exhibition economy set to boost international trade

Urumqi: China has built a reputation as one of the world's great exporters, but for the country to look at exporting Muslim food to Muslim countries might still be considered ambitious. This, however, seems to have become a reality as the Xinjiang-based Mayflower Restaurant Group launches its first ever Muslim main course at a trade fair in Saudi Arabia this month.

The dish, an instant rice pilaf, will be unveiled at the 14th International Event for Food, Beverages & Catering, Hotel Equipment, Supplies and Services on May 24 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Pulati Wushouer, manager of the Mayflower Restaurant Group, is optimistic about its chances for success: "I can already foresee hundreds of orders flying back."