Experts from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan have held their first round of talks in Beijing to pave the way for the long-awaited Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, or ECFA.

Spokesman Yang Yi, of the State Council Taiwan Affairs, office spoke highly of the negotiations.

Yang Yi described efforts to work towards the ECFA as progressing smoothly.

Yang Yi, Spokesman of State Council Taiwan Affairs, said, "After candid and down to earth negotiations, the two sides have reached consensus on a number of issues. They have created a good beginning for the ECFA."

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

Yang Yi, Spokesman of State Council Taiwan Affairs, said, "Both sides agreed that the negotiation and signing of the ECFA is conducive to the further cooperation between the two sides. It is good for the two sides to work together to face the international financial crisis and fierce international trade competition. It is also helpful for the two sides to set up an economic cooperation mechanism with special characteristics and also good for the two sides to improve the well-being of its people."

Yang Yi also noted experts would hold the second meeting as early as possible.