YINCHUAN, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- A training program for Arab countries on standardized livestock production was launched on Friday in Yinchuan, capital city of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

Sixteen trainees from Jordan, Iraq, Mauritania and other Arab states will participate in the 20-day program, which focuses on Ningxia's development model, experience and techniques of animal husbandry and its industrialization.

They are also expected to visit cattle, cow and sheep breeding bases and learn forage production on site.

The program offers a good opportunity to study the techniques of animal husbandry and learn more about China's history, culture and customs, said Mohammed Ahmed, a Jordanian participant from Amman.

China has attached great importance to the exchanges and cooperation with Arab countries on science and technology. More than 300 participants from Arab countries have taken part in 13 training programs on anti-desertification and standardized animal husbandry since 2006.

"The trainings have and will continue to promote academic exchanges and China-Arab friendship," said Yin Ji, an anti-desertification expert at the Ningxia Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences.

The training program is jointly held by the Ministry of Commerce and the academy.