China and the European Union Tuesday started the first round of negotiations for a bilateral investment treaty, Shen Danyang, spokesman of the Ministry of Commerce, told reporters in Beijing.

The three-day talks, held in Beijing, will discuss the topics that will be covered by the pact and the arrangement of the following negotiations, Shen said.

Li Chenggang, director-general of the Ministry's Department of Treaty and Law, headed the Chinese delegation, Shen told China Daily.

Shen noted that both sides are committed to build a steady, transparent, predictable and open environment for two-way investment through the pact.

The pact, which is an important move for China to build an open economy, is expected to boost bilateral investment and enhance the China-EU Comprehensive strategic Partnership.