China stands ready to work with Pakistan to build an upgraded CPEC: spokesperson

(ECNS) -- The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is an important flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative. China stands ready to work with Pakistan to build an upgraded CPEC to deliver greater benefits to the two peoples, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian at a regular press conference on Tuesday.

Lin made the remarks following Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's interview with Xinhua, during which he said Pakistan is keen to move to the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor framework. 

China commends Sharif’s positive remarks, Lin said, adding that under the Belt and Road Initiative, the CPEC serves as an important flagship project, witnessing bilateral cooperation in such areas as ports, transportation infrastructure, energy and industry.

Two heads of state reached new important common understandings on high-quality development of CPEC last year when they held a grand celebration to mark the 10th anniversary of the launch of CPEC, Lin noted.

“China stands ready to work with Pakistan to follow the guidance of the important common understandings reached by leaders of our two countries, build a growth corridor, a livelihood-enhancing corridor, an innovation corridor, a green corridor and an open corridor, continue to deepen cooperation in various areas, foster new growth points and impetus,” the spokesperson concluded.