China on Tuesday officially turned over a 600-ton maritime ship to Pakistan in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province.

The ship, which is the third of its kind, will be used to protect Pakistan's maritime interest at a time when both countries are pushing the CPEC initiative. It was built by China Shipbuilding Trading Company Ltd. and China State Shipbuilding Corporation Xijiang Shipbuilding Co. Ltd.

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Pakistan's maritime safety expressed appreciation for the ships' quality as well as the smooth cooperation with the Chinese manufacturers, who offered to provide after-sale services as well.

The vessel's predecessors have both shown their reliability and excellent performance while conducting visits and exchanges, joint drills, maritime rescue, among other missions in Pakistan. All three ships are key to strengthen China and Pakistan's ties.

Meanwhile, China has approved more infrastructure projects in Pakistan under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, with investments reaching $62 billion from $55 million. The country has been heavily investing in Pakistan since it launched the CPEC program in 2015.

According to Sindh Government spokesman Mohammad Zubair, the $62 billion investment is good news for citizens who will gain dividends from the investment. About $34 billion will be allocated to electricity production and distribution, as CPEC aims to add over 10,000 MW electricity to the national grid by the end of next year.

Zubair also noted that if private sector investments are included, China's investment volume in Pakistan would be higher than $62 billion.

"CPEC will create massive economic momentum in Pakistan," he said.

TagsCPEC, china, Pakistan, maritime patrol ship, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor