THE Chinese mainland and Taiwan should explore cooperation in technology as an important part of their relations, Chen Deming, president of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, said yesterday in Shanghai.

"Exchanges and various collaborations have expanded rapidly between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan after years of efforts, but there is still tremendous room for more technology cooperation," Chen said.

He suggested signing a cooperation pact to deepen research and development in environment protection, IT, earthquake monitoring, new energy, biotechnology and agriculture. He also proposed to enhance exchanges among small and medium-sized companies on both sides to boost innovation.