Premier Li Keqiang met with the foreign experts who received the Friendship Award from the Chinese government in 2020 and 2021 in Beijing on Sept 30.

Vice-Premier Han Zheng also attended the meeting.

Premier Li congratulated the recipients and praised their contributions to China’s reform and opening-up, development and progress as well as friendly 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.

Noting the country’s journey to achieve its own development goals, Premier Li said China needs to make better use of the role of innovation as a powerful driving force and the role of talent as a fundamental support.

China will continue to deepen international cooperation in scientific and technological innovation, be more actively involved in global innovation network, promote international exchanges and cooperation in technology, talent and projects, and support scientists around the world in conducting research on common global challenges, he added.

He also said China will unswervingly expand reform and opening-up, continue to improve its environment for innovation and entrepreneurship and build a more attractive and global highland of innovation.

In addition, China will deepen reforms to streamline administration, build a market-oriented, law-based and international business environment, promote fair competition, protect property rights and intellectual property rights in accordance with the law, and continuously stimulate market vitality and social creativity.

China has a sincere thirst for experts, with consistent policies for attracting and respecting them, Premier Li said, adding the country will explore more ways to bring in foreign talent while continually improving work permit and visa systems to facilitate their employment and life in China.

After the meeting, those present attended a reception celebrating the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, at the invitation of Premier Li.

Vice-premiers Han Zheng and Liu He, and State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi also participated.