BEIJING, May 12 (Xinhuanet) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) and the People First Party (PFP) in Taiwan pledged here Thursday that they will join efforts to promote overall economic and trade exchanges across the Taiwan Straits on the basis of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. 

    According to a communique issued after the formal talks between top leaders of the two parities, the CPC and PFP will promote the realization of two-way direct flights across the Taiwan Straits by 2006.

    It also called for closer agricultural cooperation across the Taiwan Straits and increasing sales of Taiwan farm produce in the mainland.

    The document said that the mainland will exempt customs duties on some of Taiwan's farm products including fruits to help Taiwan ease sales pressure during harvesting season.

    The communique called on both sides across the Straits to facilitate customs clearing of farm products and their direct transportation.

    The CPC and PFP also agreed to promote the two-way direct investment by enterprises across the Straits, and promote "specific cooperation" in banking, insurance, securities, transportation and medical sectors.

    The two parties will promote cross-Straits negotiations on how to avoid double taxation on business people, said the communique.

    The communique called for expanding cross-Straits people-to-people exchanges and further simplifying procedures on the mainland side for Taiwanese compatriots coming to and leaving the mainland.

    "The mainland side should encourage and promote the employment of Taiwan compatriots on the mainland," said the communique. Enditem