Monday, April 4 2005 16:07 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Beijing: Maintaining that establishment of a Free Trade Area between China and India has become a "logical agenda" item, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has expressed the hope that the two sides will soon begin their feasibility study of FTA.

He also said trade and economic relations between the two countries were growing rapidly with areas broadening and contents of cooperation deepening.

"In order to move bilateral trade and economic ties to a new level, the establishment of a Free Trade Area has become a logical agenda item.

"A broader and deeper relationship in the economy and trade between China and India not only serves the two countries, but will accelerate the process of regional economic integration in Asia. I hope the two sides will soon begin their feasibility study of FTA," Wen, who will be visiting India later this week, in an interview to sources in Beijing.

He was replying to a question on the prospects of Sino-Indian FTA and how it would benefit the two countries. The Chinese leader said trade and economic cooperation between the two countries have grown rapidly. Two-way trade last year reached $ 13.6 billion, 13 times that of ten years ago, achieving the $ 10 billion target ahead of schedule.