Chinese professionals and skilled people who are working on Chinese development programs in Tonga on certain passports, may enter the country without a visa starting next month, the Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Samiu Vaipulu told the Tongan Parliament on August 28.

Samiu said that the visa free access for Chinese diplomats, officials and "service providers" would come into effect in September when a group of architects and planners would arrive in Tonga to start working on a plan for the construction of the St George Palace, on Pangai Si'i in central Nuku'alofa.

He did not explain in detail about the new construction projects, which apparently will be funded by the Chinese government, but he said that the project would include the construction of four courthouses, accommodation for judges, an office and a residence of the Prime Minister, and a new Treasury Building.

Tonga's Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Lord Tu'ivakano and China's Ambassador to Tonga HE Mr Wang Donghua signed the mutual visa exemption on Monday August 20, and announced that it would come into effect 30 days from the signing date, when the citizens of Tonga and China who hold valid diplomatic, official and public affairs passports will be mutually exempted from visa requirements for entry into the two countries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the exemption was to further promote the friendly relations between the two countries, while facilitating exchange visits by the citizens of Tonga and China.

Reciprocal

Dr T. Suka Mangisi the Deputy Secretary for Foreign Affairs in Nuku'alofa said, the visa exemption in Tonga's case applies only to Tongan citizens who hold valid diplomatic and official passports."