China calls for stepping up efforts to build economic corridor

BEIJING: China and Pakistan today called for joint efforts to step up building of the USD 46 billion Economic Corridor being built through Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK).

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, who met with Chief Minister of Pakistan's Punjab Province Shahbaz Sharif here, hailed the all-weather strategic partnership between both countries, citing frequent high-level exchanges and fruitful cooperation in various fields.

Zhang called on both sides to keep close coordination in building the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), to make it benefit the peoples of the two countries, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The CPEC, a 3,000-km network of roads, railways and pipelines linking Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and southwest Pakistan's Gwadar Port through POK, is a major project of China's "One Belt and Road" initiative.

The agreement to this effect was signed during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan in April this year. Overall construction costs are estimated at over USD 46 billion, with the entire project expected to be completed in several years.

Shahbaz expressed appreciation for China's support for Pakistan's economic and social development, adding that his country is ready to cement cooperation with China and promote new progress of the CPEC construction, the report said.