The fifth China-Arab States Expo has generated a bonanza in the form of agreements for as many as 277 projects that will likely entail 156.67 billion yuan ($24.1 billion) in investments.

This shows the annual event－it opened on Thursday and will close on Sunday in Yinchuan, capital of Northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region－has become a successful platform to promote trade among the various participating countries, attendees and event hosts said on Friday.

"The 277 projects show the expo's role in promoting economic relations among the countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. Going forward, the expo will add new vitality to the BRI, bring new opportunities to economic cooperation between China and other BRI economies, and add a strong momentum to the high-quality development of the Ningxia Hui autonomous region," said Zhao Yongqing, vice-chairman of the region.