"It constitutes a process of discussion with each other about this kind of model, about this kind of roadmap for the future," Yao said.Beijing would only proceed with projects that Pakistan wanted, he added. "We have reservations, but no other country is investing in Pakistan. "If it's such a strategic project then it should be a viable project for them to finance on very concessional terms or invest in?" said one senior Pakistani official familiar with the project, referring to the BOT model.China's foreign ministry said Beijing was engaged in "friendly consultations" with Pakistan on the rail project. "When people say it's a project of national importance, that usually means it makes no sense financially," he said.

Source: thestar September 30, 2018 09:05 UTC