BEIJING - The government will continue to create an open, transparent and predictable institutional environment and enhance protection on intellectual property rights, Premier Li Keqiang said on Sept 30.

Li made the remarks when meeting with a group of foreign experts receiving the Chinese Government Friendship Award in 2014.

Li thanked the award recipients for their contributions to China’s economic and social development.

China’s development has entered into an era of innovation and its economy is at a key stage for upgrading to better quality and efficiency, he said, emphasizing China’s needs for more foreign expertise.

He said the Chinese government will provide good service and support to foreign experts working in China, hoping they will bring advanced technology, managerial expertise and their own cultural experience to China.

Premier Li Keqiang poses for a photo with foreign experts who receive the Chinese Government Friendship Award in 2014 in Beijing, Sept 30, 2014. Vice-premiers Zhang Gaoli and Ma Kai are also present.[Photo/China News Service]

The Chinese government conferred the Friendship Award to 100 foreign experts from 25 countries this year.

At the invitation of Li, the award recipients attended the reception marking the 65th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China on Sept 30.

The Friendship Award is an annual award issued by the Chinese government to honor outstanding foreign experts in China. The scheme was established in 1991.