China's Ningxia autonomous region is planning air cargo charters to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Dubai next year.
The charters will target agriculture produce from the Chinese north western region, said Chen Zhigang, director-general of a Ningxia investment promotion bureau.

"The construction of an international cargo logistics centre has just started. The first phase will be completed in the first half of next year. Once ready, we plan to have chartered cargo flights to Dubai, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur," he added.

Chen said this would help boost trade and the development of the halal industry in Ningxia. The region has a population of six million, of which more than a third are ethnic Hui Chinese muslims.