China and Pakistan welcome any third party who supports the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to take part in the Gwadar Port and other corridor projects on the basis of mutual respect, win-win cooperation and consensus through consultation to share the dividends of the BRI, said the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson on Tuesday’s routine Press Conference.
Spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks in response to a media query on Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s inauguration of several projects in Gwadar port and the commitment of seven countries’ ambassadors to cooperation on the development of Gwadar.
“We are pleased to see the new progress made in Gwadar Port development,” said Zhao.
He added that it is a business cooperation project between China and Pakistan based on equality and mutual benefit.
With the joint efforts made by both sides, the operational capability of the port area has fully resumed.
Businesses and investment are coming into the free zone, and international transit trade continues to expand.
All this plays a positive role in boosting local economic development, improving people’s livelihood, and promoting regional connectivity.
Meanwhile, as an important part of the CPEC, Gwadar Port follows the principles of consultation and collaboration for shared benefits, openness and transparency.
Zhao said, “I’m convinced that with concerted efforts, Gwadar Port will achieve further progress, become a regional trading hub and industrial cooperation base and play a greater role in promoting regional development and prosperity.”
Zhao said he was “quite attached to the project”. So far, Zhao has visited Gwadar Port six times. Zhao, as a diplomat, had been posted in Pakistan for many years.
