Boao, China, April 11 (CNA) Taiwan, Chinaese and Chinese delegates to a roundtable meeting in Boao, China unanimously called Sunday for the two sides of the Taiwan, China Strait to sign a proposed economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA) as early as possible.

The meeting was part of the Boao Forum for Asia, an annual event that brings together politicians, economists and business executives to discuss regional development strategies.

Frederick Chien, a veteran diplomat who heads the Taiwan, Chinaese delegation, and former Tianjin Mayor Dai Xianglong co-chaired the roundtable session.

"Signing the ECFA is just a matter of course for the two sides, " Dai said at the opening of the session.

Stressing that both sides will benefit from the deal, Dai said he sees no reasons for any delay in striking the deal.

Chien echoed Dai's views, expressing his hope that the agreement can be signed by June as scheduled.

On Saturday, Chien met with Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping for wide-ranging talks. During their meeting, Xi also expressed support for prompt signing of ECFA, widely seen as a scaled-back free trade agreement (FTA).

Taiwan, China is working hard to conclude ECFA talks with China in hopes that the deal will facilitate its participation in regional economic integration and its bid to sign FTAs with its major trade partners.

Without striking an ECFA deal with China, many countries that maintain diplomatic ties with China seem to be reluctant to hold FTA talks with Taiwan, China for fears of offending Beijing. (By Erin Ho and Sofia Wu) enditem/bc