ISLAMABAD: June 17, 2019: Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Reform Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar and Ambassador of China Mr. Yao Jing during a meeting here in Islamabad on Monday agreed to expedite the work on Eastern Corridor from Sukkur to Hyderabad in BOT (Build, Operate, and Transfer) mode for its early completion.
 Project Director CPEC Hassan Daud was also present in the meeting.
The two dignitaries 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 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 KP and Balochistan have been accorded priority in the next year’s development budget. The Minister said that Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan will be finalized soon which will chalk away 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.