The task force will submit a detailed report on construction of the expressway to authorities concerned of both the countries.

The agreement was reached during a bilateral meeting between Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on the sidelines of the BIMST-EC summit that began in the Thai capital yesterday morning.

The two prime ministers also agreed to set up a technical expert committee to accelerate the process of constructing a road linking Bangladesh, Myanmar and Thailand.

Thaksin inquired about the latest flood situation in Bangladesh and offered 1,000 metric tons of rice for the flood affected people.

He said his country would purchase 10 lakh jute bags from Bangladesh for distribution of rice among the flood-ravaged people.

Thailand also offered to supply chickens on credit as part of an aid package, according to AFP.

The meeting, held in a cordial atmosphere at Government House, the office of the Thai prime minister, lasted for more than half an hour.

Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan, Prime Minister's Principal Secretary Kamal Siddiqui, Foreign Secretary Shamsher M Chowdhury and Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand Shahed Akhter were present at the talks from Bangladesh side.

On the Thai side, Deputy Prime Minister Suwauat Liptapallop, Foreign Minister Surakiart Sattarrathai, Commerce Minister Watana Muangsook and Thai ambassador to Bangladesh were present.

During the talks, Khaleda suggested more interaction between the businessmen of the two friendly countries to boost trade and investment. She called for more Thai investment, particularly in agro-based industries.

Thaksin said his country would like to set up a hospital in Bangladesh. He mentioned that his country offered GSP facility to 239 items to be imported from Bangladesh.

On the regional issue, the Thai prime minister assured Khaleda of his country's support for Bangladesh to get membership of Asean Regional Forum.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia along with other BIMST-EC leaders called on Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the Royal Palace in the afternoon. She also attended an official dinner hosted by the Thai prime minister in honour of the BIMST-EC leaders at the Government House.

Khaleda will deliver her speech at the BIMST-ECsummit this morning. She will also have bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga.