Pakistan, China agree to expedite work on eastern corridor

Planning minister and Chinese ambassador discuss pace of CPEC projects

ISLAMABAD: The incumbent government is committed to fast track progress on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, said Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar.

In a meeting with Ambassador of China Yao Jing on Monday, both sides agreed to expedite work on the eastern corridor from Sukkur to Hyderabad in BOT (Build, Operate, and Transfer) mode for its early completion.

The two dignitaries expressed satisfaction over the pace of projects under CPEC.

Bakhtiar appreciated the Chinese leadership and government for expanding the scope of CPEC by including socio-economic and agriculture sector development under its platform.

COAS reaffirms army's ‘unwavering’ support for CPEC security: ISPR

The minister noted that signing of a framework agreement on agriculture cooperation was a major milestone, adding that Pakistan would welcome Chinese agriculture companies to explore investment opportunities for initiation of joint ventures.

The minister apprised the Chinese ambassador that less developed areas including the merged districts
of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan had been accorded priority in next year’s development budget.

He shared that the Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan would be finalised soon, which would chalk away out the way forward for development of the coastal city.

Various projects under the CPEC framework including the 300MW coal-based power plant in Gwadar
and Kohala Hydropower Station also came under discussion.  

Published in The Express Tribune, June 18^th, 2019.

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