BEIJING, Oct. 26 (INP): China will continue working with Pakistan to advance the building of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and forge it into a quality demonstration project of the Belt and Road Initiative, said Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry.

He made the remarks in response to the operation of Pakistan's first metro train project the Orange Line.

Zhao Lijian said, “I've also learned of this good news. As a diplomat posted in Pakistan for many years, I extend my warmest congratulations.”

Zhao said, the Orange Line is an early harvest project under CPEC. Its inauguration introduces an era of metro train service for Pakistan.

As Chief Minister of Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar said at the Orange Line's inauguration ceremony, it is one of the most advanced urban rail transport projects in South Asia, providing modern, efficient, environmental-friendly and safe transport service to Lahore while reducing air pollution.

During construction, this project created more than 7,000 local jobs, and I understand nearly 2,000 more jobs will be created during its operation and maintenance.

The completion of the Orange Line also marks a major outcome of the CPEC. China will continue working with Pakistan to advance the building of the CPEC and forge it into a quality demonstration project of the Belt and Road Initiative.

INP/javed