BEIJING, October 1 (INP): China wishes to expand the scope of corridor construction in Pakistan to support the government in its efforts, improving the living conditions of their people.

Through mutual consultation, China will actively help Pakistan carrying out projects in the field of people's livelihood, said Cheng Xizhong, a visiting professor of Southwest University of Political Science and Law.

According to Mr. Xizhong, the construction of the CPEC is progressing smoothly. 22 projects with a total investment of dollar 19 billion in the first phase have been completed or are close to completion.

This has alleviated Pakistan's energy shortage and partially built transportation infrastructure, thus laying a good foundation for Pakistan`s future comprehensive social-economic development.

Now, the CPEC construction has entered the second stage, focusing on industrial cooperation, agricultural cooperation, Gwadar Port construction and socio-economic development, of which 27 new projects will be launched within this year.

Cheng Xizhong who is also special commentator of China Economic Net, pointed out that Prime Minister Imran Khan has recently acknowledged that China has provided Pakistan with tremendous opportunities for development.

China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic partners. They have always trusted, understood and supported each other. The friendship between the two countries is unbreakable.

The construction of the CPEC has yielded fruitful results, produced positive social and economic benefits, and effectively promoted Pakistan's national development and improved people's livelihood.

The friendly cooperation between China and Pakistan is not only in the common interest of the two countries, but also conducive to maintaining international peace, stability, fairness and justice.

China is willing to work with Pakistan to promote the continuous development of the CPEC and build a closer community of shared future in the new era.

The successful CPEC development has made governments and enterprises in many countries see great potential investment value.

Therefore, recently, enterprises from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, as well as major investment countries in the world such as China, the United States, Germany, Japan, South Korea and Singapore, have sent delegations to Pakistan for feasibility studies, and are actively considering large-scale investment in Pakistan's industrial parks.

With the completion and operation of more and more projects in the CPEC, social and economic benefits have started to emerge.

On the one hand, the tax revenue of the Pakistani government is increasing, the long-standing financial difficulties are gradually alleviated, and on the other hand, more and more tangible benefits are brought to the Pakistani people.

China has invested tremendously in the construction of the CPEC. China sincerely helps Pakistan to develop. The Pakistani people not only express their gratitude from the bottom of their hearts, but also cherish the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Pakistan government and people have recognized that the construction of the CPEC is making Pakistan enter the fast track of development and Pakistan is now faced with unprecedented development opportunities, he added.

INP/J/AK