Mainland China authorities and Taiwan's two opposition parties launched a new bid on Friday to expand the sale of Taiwanese agricultural products on the mainland.

Officials from six central government departments held talks with a Taiwanese delegation about implementing Beijing's policy to give tariff-free treatment to fruits grown in Taiwan.

Both sides discussed technical issues concerning the topic but signed no agreements.

Before the 12-member delegation left Taipei, leaders of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) warned against entering any agreements with the mainland.

Mainland leaders decided in May to expand the import of Taiwanese fruits from 12 to 18 varieties and drop tariffs on 15 varieties after KMT chairman Lien Chan's visit.

The move is part of Beijing's efforts to develop closer cross-Straits economic relations for the benefit of Taiwanese farmers.

But no substantial progress has been made on implementing the policy as Taiwanese authorities have been reluctant to authorise private bodies to negotiate with the mainland.

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