Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday that his country can benefit from Chinese expertise for development and economic stability, as China has achieved rapid development and is getting stronger with each passing day. 

Khan made the remarks when addressing a groundbreaking ceremony of several projects at the country's southwest Gwadar port, including the start of the construction of the Gwadar north free zone, a chemical fertilizer factory, an expo building, an animal vaccination factory and a lubricant factory. 

The Gwadar port is an important part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative put forward by China. 

Khan said Pakistan can benefit from its strategic location and deep-rooted friendship with China and achieve prosperity. 

Thanking the Chinese government for initiating various development projects in southwest Balochistan province, especially at the Gwadar port, he said that the port is becoming a focal point of development for Pakistan and the region at large. 

The completion of infrastructure projects in Gwadar would give impetus to regional trade and boost economic activity, he said. "Gwadar will connect with Central Asia ... We have already signed agreements with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan."

To facilitate foreign investors, particularly Chinese investors, the Pakistani government is going to initiate a one-window operation facility in Gwadar to boost foreign direct investment and exports, the prime minister said. 
  
"We are encouraging Chinese investors who are investing in manufacturing of products which can be exported and help Pakistan to earn valuable foreign exchange," Khan said. 

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong said at the ceremony that China and Pakistan have worked hand in hand in Gwadar on port operations, free zone development, and transportation infrastructure, and completed a series of social and livelihood projects in the last few years. 
  
China will work with Pakistan to accelerate project construction to meet the timelines, continuously enhance Gwadar's port operation, infrastructure, industry, and social development to promote the high-quality development of the CPEC, the ambassador said. 
  
"By taking a comprehensive way of development, the Gwadar port is right on its track to the regional business and trade hub," he said.

During the ceremony, the Chinese government also signed a memorandum of understanding with Pakistan to donate 3,000 sets of solar systems for the Pakistani people in an effort to address climate change, and also an implement an agreement for the aid of a desalination plant at the Gwadar port that can produce 5,000 tonnes of fresh water daily. 

In a recent interview with CGTN, Khan reiterated that the relationship between Pakistan and China "has only got stronger" amid changes in the international situation. "Pakistan and China always stand together," he said. 

"It is very unfair" for the United States or other western powers to pressure countries like Pakistan to "take sides," the prime minister stressed. "Whatever will happen ... no matter what pressure, China and Pakistan's relationship is not going to change."

(With input from Xinhua)