China and the European Union may start talks on an investment treaty next year, Chinese officials said.

Both sides are "enthusiastic" and the only delay is from the EU which has to go through a technical process to mandate an institution to conduct negotiations, an official from the Department of European Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce, who requested anonymity, told China Daily.

A Chinese diplomat in Brussels, who also requested anonymity, said both Beijing and Brussels are "seriously committed" to enhancing two-way investment and boosting trade ties.