Beijing: Apex business chamber, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on April 4 welcomed the launching of the first direct flight between Shanghai and Delhi describing it as another step to enhance bilateral ties especially trade relations.

The introduction of direct flight between the countries would mark the beginning of a new chapter and would also provide opportunity for co-operation, former president and chairman of CII International Council, Arun Bharat Ram said.

On March 28, China had commenced the first direct flight on the Beijing-Delhi- Beijing sector. The first flight is scheduled to take off from the booming East China metropolis on April 4.

With the launch of the direct flight between India and China, the present level of economic and bilateral relations will increase manifold from the current level of $ 3.60 billion, he said.

It would give the much-required boost to Sino-Indo travel and tourism sectors, Ram, who is currently heading a CII delegation to China on a seven-day mission, said.

He also welcomed China's recent decision to extend the approved destination status (ADs) to India.

During a meeting here with the vice chairman of the China's National Tourism Administration (CNTA), Sun Gang, the two sides agreed that the approved destination status granted to India was a step forward in strengthening Sino-Indian trade, investments and joint ventures.

Ravi Bhoothalingam, former chairman of the CII national committee on tourism and heritage invited Sun to lead a Chinese delegation to India to project the potential of Chinese tourism.

PTI