Pak-China agree to expedite work on Eastern Corridor

June 18, 2019: Pakistan and China have agreed to expedite work on Eastern Corridor from Sukkur to Hyderabad in build, operate, and transfer mode for its early completion.

The decision to this effect came during a meeting between Planning Minister Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar and Ambassador of China Yao Jing in Islamabad on Monday. 

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

The Minister said that the incumbent government is committed to fast track the progress on this flagship project between Pakistan and China.

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

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

The Minister said that Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan will be finalized soon which will chalk out the way forward for development of the coastal city.

Various projects under CPEC framework including 300 MW coal based power plant in Gwadar and Kohala hydro power station also came under discussion.