The Taiwanese leader said the close economic relations between the two ¡ª bilateral trade in 2005 was $57 billion ¡ª made an FTA desirable.

"Since trade and economic exchanges between Taiwan and the U.S. are important, the U.S.-Taiwan free trade agreement shouldn't be delayed," he said.

However, Bhatia said the time was not right for the initiation of free trade talks between Taipei and Washington.

"The challenge we face is our trade negotiation authority given by our Congress expires in July next year, which is a short period of time and makes it a real challenge to start new FTA talks," he said.

The visit follows a period of tension between Taiwan and the United States.