BEIJING: Experts from the mainland and Taiwan held their first talks here on Tuesday to pave the way for a long-awaited economic deal that is expected to boost cross-Strait economic ties.

The pact is intended to make systematic arrangements to normalize mainland-Taiwan economic ties and bring the economies of both sides closer.

According to a statement from the ARATS on Sunday, the expert discussions would focus on the evaluation of the results and proposals of a joint research by academic institutions on both sides on this issue.

They would also discuss the official name and basic structure of the economic cooperation framework.

The mainland delegation is led by ARATS executive vice president Zheng Lizhong, while the Taiwan counterpart is headed by Kao Kung-lian, SEF vice chairman and secretary general, the statement said.