China joins hands with Pakistan on economic corridor construction

BEIJING-- China has pledged to work with Pakistan to establish the China-Pakistan economic corridor, after Pakistan's political parties agreed on Thursday on a plan for the corridor's first stage.

"China is willing to make joint efforts with Pakistan to advance planning and building of the corridor in a balanced and comprehensive way," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said on Friday.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif convened an All Parties Conference on Thursday, agreeing that the western route of the corridor would be completed first. It will involve trade infrastructure connecting Hasan Abdal and Gwadar, passing through Mianwali, Dera Ismail Khan and Zohb, according to media reports.

Pakistan political parties agreed in the conference to form a parliamentary committee to steer the project.

"The planning and building of the corridor will be open to all regions in Pakistan and the development fruits will benefit all the people there," said Hua.