Ecuador decided to eliminate the visa requirement for Chinese citizens traveling within 90 days as tourists in this South American country, the Ecuadorian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

The decision, taken on behalf of Ecuadoran President Rafael Correa, was aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and promoting tourism and it will become effective as of Feb. 15.

The presidential decision is based on Ecuador's new migration policy in efforts to improve integration, trade and tourism conditions between Ecuador and the rest of the world.