Eighty-four foreign experts were presented with the Friendship Award by Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu at a ceremony in Beijing Wednesday for their contributions to China's economic and social development.

Calling foreign experts "intimate friends" and "contributors," Hui said they work diligently in various fields of China's construction, teaching Chinese people technology and experience from other countries and extending precious support with their intelligence and efforts.

"The Chinese government and people will never forget the contribution they have made to our modernization cause," he added.

He said China will continue to improve the working and living conditions of foreign experts and create a favorable external environment for them. China will also protect the intellectual property rights of its foreign experts, he said.

The vice premier said while China attaches great importance to developing domestic expertise under the strategy of empowering the country with talented people, the country equally emphasizes foreign expertise.

"China will continue to bring in foreign brains and learn from the achievements of their civilizations," said Hui, adding that the country welcomes their participation in the modernization drive.

The vice premier said he believes quick modernization in every field of social and economic development is creating immense demand for expertise, which promises enormous opportunities for those coming to China.

(Xinhua News Agency September 30, 2004)