China invites more countries to join CPEC

BEIJING: China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang on Monday said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is an "open initiative", inviting more countries to take parts in the project on the "principle of equality and voluntarism".

Commenting on the commissioning of a power plant built by China and Qatar in Karachi, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Geng Shuang told a media briefing that Qatar's participation showed that the CPEC is open for third country participation.  

He further said; "The Chinese side is happy with the operation of this plant. I think this will play a positive role in providing energy and bring benefits to people of Pakistan."

The first unit of the 1320-MW coal-fired power plant at Port Qasim was inaugurated on November 29.

The Port Qasim plant has been developed jointly by the Power China Resources Limited and Qatar's Al-Mirqab Capital. It is the second major energy project under the CPEC.

"This is the first project participated by the third country. It shows that the CPEC is an open initiative. We are willing to explore the participation of more countries with the principle of equality and voluntarism," Geng said.