China and Tonga signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports on Thursday, a move expected to boost people-to-people exchanges between the two geographically distant countries and inject new vitality into the Pacific island kingdom's tourism industry.

After undergoing respective domestic legal procedures in China and Tonga, the agreement will take effect and enable valid passport holders of both countries to enter or transit through each other's countries without a visa, with a maximum length of stay of 30 days, a Chinese embassy official in Tonga told Xinhua.

The agreement was signed by Chinese Ambassador to Tonga Huang Huaguang and Tongan Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Akilisi Pohiva in the Tongan capital of Nuku'alofa.

"The agreement aims to further promote the people-to-people exchanges between our two countries, especially in the sector of tourism and business," Huang said.

"China is now the biggest tourism market in the world... I believe the natural beauty and the colorful culture of the kingdom would attract more Chinese visitors in the near future," the Chinese ambassador added.

Calling the agreement a "milestone", Pohiva said it will further promote "our friendly association," boost tourism and other related sectors, contribute to economic growth and facilitate people-to-people exchanges between Tonga and China.

"On behalf of the government and the people of Tonga, we appreciate this new chapter in our relations and embrace the opportunity for our two peoples to travel, explore, learn and build connections with one another," the Tongan prime minister said.

In 2012, China and Tonga signed a similar visa waiver agreement, which only applies to holders of diplomatic passports, service/official passports as well as passports for public affairs. Endit

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