Chiang Mai (Thailand), Oct 12: India and China have agreed to expedite establishment of a joint study group on economic cooperation. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee told reporters before leaving Chiang Mai that during his meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao on the sidelines of the recent India-Asean summit both sides touched on substantive forward movement on economic relations.

"To continue the process, we have agreed to expedite establishment of a joint study group on economic cooperation," the Prime Minister said as he wound up his four-day visit to Thailand Special representatives of the two countries will have their first meeting on October 23 on the border question.

The Chinese premier also agreed to make a return visit to India as early as possible. Bureau Report