National carrier, Air-India on Tuesday opened its first office in the east Chinese metropolis of Shanghai, ahead of its inaugural flight on December 11.

Consul General of India in Shanghai Sujan Chinoy, who was the chief guest, commended the efforts of both Air-India and the Chinese authorities leading to the opening of the first A-I office in mainland China.

"The timing of the establishment of the Air-India office was most opportune, in view of the burgeoning trade and economic exchanges between the two countries," he said.

He also noted that bilateral ties had received considerable fillip following Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's visit to China in June 2003.

China Eastern Airlines had commenced its operations to India last year and, earlier this year, India had been accorded "approved tourism destination" status by the Chinese government, he recalled.