Twenty experts from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, and other countries were recently awarded the 2019 Qilu Friendship Award.

The award ceremony was held on Dec 10 in Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province.

Yu Jie (right), vice governor of Shandong province, presents the Qilu Friendship Award to a foreign expert. [Photo/chinanews.com]

A Swedish expert said in his acceptance speech that during his stay in Shandong, he witnessed impressive achievements in education, scientific research, and infrastructure construction and found the people of Shandong friendly and hospitable.

"I've brought many Swedish experts to Shandong to start business and engage in scientific research. We plan to carry out more cooperation with Shandong to solve common problems faced by all of mankind."

"Strengthening cooperation among international talent is an important part of China's opening-up. A large number of foreign experts have devoted themselves to China's modernization and contributed to its development and progress," said Zhao Huijun, an official from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China.

Over the years, Shandong has improved its system and introduced new channels for bringing in talent. It has also optimized the work environment for foreign talent living in China, added Zhao.

Zhao also expressed hope that foreign experts who won the Qilu Friendship Award would continue to serve as ambassadors for Sino-foreign exchange and contribute to China's development.

A foreign expert advisory conference is also held on Dec 10 in Jinan, capital of Shandong province. [Photo/chinanews.com]

The Qilu Friendship Award is the highest honor given by the Shandong provincial government to foreign experts who have made important contributions to Shandong's economic and social development as well as international cooperation.

Established in 1993, the award is granted to about 20 foreign experts every year. So far, a total of 518 foreign experts have received the award.

A foreign expert advisory conference was also held, during which eight foreign experts spoke about "how to build a scientific powerhouse".

Yu Jie, vice governor of Shandong province, said that Shandong will continue to optimize its business environment, provide essential support for project implementation, intellectual property protection and living facilities, and establish a platform for innovation and entrepreneurship for Chinese and foreign talent.