ISLAMABAD – Chinese authorities sought Indian response over Pakistan’s invitation to join the multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
Last week Southern Command Commander Lt. Gen Amir Riaz said that India should shun enmity and join the $46 billion CPEC project.
“India should put an end to anti-Pakistan activities and join hands with Pakistan to share the fruits of future development,” Amir Riaz said while addressing at an awards distribution ceremony at Balochistan FC Headquarters
Following the invitation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying sought India’s reply terming it a good sign from Pakistan.
“I wonder what is India’s take on this whether this is a good sign from Pakistan,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said.
“On China’s part, the CPEC is a cooperation framework and we hope this programme can not only serve the interest of Pakistan but also Asia and the region as a whole,” Hua said, according to Indian media.
“It is an open proposal and we are willing to work with Pakistan to discuss the participation of any third country under principle of wider consultation and joint contribution,” she added.
With an investment of 46 billion U.S Dollars and scores of infrastructure projects, the ongoing construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is undoubtedly one of the largest endeavors now taking place in Pakistan.
CPEC, which includes roads, energy projects, industrial parks and the Gwadar port, will satisfy Pakistan’s immediate needs as well as helping the south Asian country get back on its feet after years of anti-terror campaigns wrecked its economy.
Three years after the initiative on the construction of CPEC was jointly announced by China and Pakistan, the project has already produced its early fruits as new roads and power plants have boosted Pakistan’s growth.
