Ningxia needs a direction for its cooperation with the Muslim world, a leading scholar said.

Chen Jie, a lecturer at Shanghai International Studies University, recently spoke at a symposium focusing on the China-Arab States Economics and Trade Forum in Ningxia.

"Cooperation between Ningxia and Arab countries needs vision," Chen said. "The unique conditions of Ningxia and Arab countries make the bilateral cooperation difficult to achieve early results. Ningxia should focus on the big picture in the long run instead of chasing immediate gains. "

Chen said he believes that Ningxia should take the lead in the trade with Arab countries when conditions were favorable; otherwise, Ningxia can act as a broker and give opportunities to other provinces in China.