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Chen said the ARATS and the SEF would strive to accelerate the negotiations of the investment protection deal, which is expected to top the agenda for a new cross-Strait meeting next year.
The two sides also agreed to begin consultations on dispute settlement and commodity and service trade, among other topics of follow-up negotiations after the landmark Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) took effect in September.
The Chinese mainland and Taiwan have reached 15 agreements and consensus on two other subjects during the past six meetings over the last two years, since the two organizations, authorized to handle cross-Strait affairs by their respective authorities, resumed talks in 2008 after a nine-year suspension.
These agreements paved the way for the opening of direct shipping and air links, tourist exchanges and closer economic cooperation.
"Taiwan compatriots' support for the talks is key to getting the cross-Strait deals signed," Chen said.
He also praised the success of the International Flora Expo, being held between November and April in Taipei.
Chen also met with Taiwan's mainland affairs chief, Lai Shin-yuan, Tuesday, and exchanged views on the talks and cross-Strait relations. |
