ISLAMABAD – Pakistan China seek third strategic partner in multi billionsdollars CPEC Project.

China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are exploring opportunities forcooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Chineseambassador to Islamabad Yao Jing said on Sunday.

In an interview with *Arab Newslink*, the ambassador stressedthat UAE was also a partner under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) andhas a lot of trade and economic links with Pakistan.

The BRI is a Beijing-led program to boost economic and trade ties in dozensof countries in Asia, Europe and beyond, mostly through investments inenergy and infrastructure.

“Between China and UAE, maybe we have some opportunities to cooperate forPakistan’s development,” Ambassador Yao said, adding that since the ninthmeeting of a Pakistan China Joint Cooperation Committee held this month,both countries had stepped up efforts to promote “third party investment”in the bilateral project.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Syed Shibli Faraz welcomedinvestment from UAE and other Arab countries in Pakistan.

“The government was discussing opportunities for Arab countries to joinCPEC,” said Faraz. They had shown “willingness,” he added.

Mushahid Hussain Syed, Senator and Chairman of China-Pakistan Institute,said the participation of friendly countries like UAE would be a “greatplus” for CPEC.