Chiang Mai (Thailand): India and China have agreed to expedite establishment of a joint study group on economic co-operation.

Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee told reporters before leaving Chiang Mai, that during his meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao on the sidelines of the recent India- Association of South East Asian Nations (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 co-operation," 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.

PTI