A totem pole is displayed in Stanley Park in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. [Photo by Luo Wengang/Asianewsphoto]

China and Canada started issuing reciprocal visas on Monday, with increased exchanges becoming essential to both countries.

Multiple-entry visas for business, travel or family visits are being granted, with the longest validity being 10 years, both governments said on Sunday.

The development comes after China and the United States agreed on a multiple-entry visa policy in November.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Monday that the latest move will further promote exchanges and cooperation, push forward strategic cooperation and benefit people in both countries.

Gao Ping, consul general at the Chinese embassy in Canada, said China issued 230,000 visas to Canadians last year, with 80 percent of them traveling to China for business, tourism or family visits, meaning that the majority of Canadian visitors will benefit from the policy change.

The Canadian government website quoted Perrin Beatty, Canadian Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer, as saying: "The future of countless Canadian businesses is in China. These new visa arrangements will make it easier for them to meet more frequently with their clients, distributors and suppliers, and to build the long-term relationships they need to compete."

According to Chinese government statistics, bilateral trade reached $55.2 billion last year and China is Canada's No 2 trade partner.