China has a sincere need for foreign experts, with consistent policies for attracting and respecting them. The country is further expanding channels to attract and bring in foreign talent while continually improving work permit and visa systems to facilitate their employment and life in China, Premier Li Keqiang revealed this on September 30, at a grand event held annually by the Chinese government to honor foreign experts who made outstanding achievements in China. 

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meets with foreign experts who have received the Friendship Award in 2020 and 2021, at the Great Hall of People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 30, 2021. (PHOTO：XINHUA)

Li congratulated the award recipients and spoke highly of their contributions to China's reform and opening-up, development and progress, as well as people -to -people exchanges with other countries. He also conveyed sincere greetings to all foreign experts working in China, their family members and international friends who support China's development. 

In terms of the country's journey to achieve its own development goals, Li noted that China needs to unleash the potential of innovation as a powerful driving force and make better use of the role of talent as a fundamental support. 

At the same time, China will keep deepening international cooperation in scientific and technological innovation, actively integrate into the global innovation network, promote international exchanges and cooperation in technology, talent and projects, and support scientists around the world in conducting research with common global challenges, he added. Li also said China will expand reform and opening-up, continue to improve its environment for innovation and entrepreneurship and build a more attractive global innovation center. 

The awardees thanked Li and the Chinese government, and expressed their willingness to continue contributing to China's development. 

100 foreign experts from 32 countries were presented with the Friendship Award for 2020 and 2021. The Friendship Award is the highest award to commend foreign experts who have made outstanding contributions to China's modernization drive. Since its establishment in 1991, 1,799 foreign experts have received the award. 

Source:《Science and Technology Daily》