Forty nine foreign experts from 19 countries were honored with Friendship Awards Friday in Beijing by the Chinese government for their outstanding contributions to the country.

Vice Premier Hui Liangyu expressed his welcome to all the foreign experts and international friends working in China.

"It's a process of give and take. Talent exchanges benefit all countries involved," said Jan Wolter Post, who was honored for his contribution to China's automobile industry by introducing advanced technology and research on green-fuel automobiles.

China was confident in opening increasingly to the world and invite more foreign experts to work in various domestic sectors, Post said.

The Friendship Award, which was set up in 1991, is the highest award the government confers on foreign experts who have made outstanding contributions to China's economic and social progress.

"Your professional qualities and dedication have deeply impressed the Chinese people, and your profound friendship with the Chinese people and your valuable contributions to China's modernization will be eternally remembered by the Chinese government and the Chinese people," Hui said.

He said the government would continue to push forward the strategy of reinvigorating China through developing skills and lay equal emphasis on the training and development of domestic talent and introducing international expertise.

A total of 850 foreign experts from 55 countries had been conferred the award by last year.

"My husband got the award in 2003 for his efforts in environment protection," German NGO expert Dorath Lehrach said.

"At that time I thought maybe someday I could be honored this award, and today it comes true," said Lehrach, who assists Chinese NGO development.

According to the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, China introduced 340,000 foreign experts and professionals in 2005, but the country urgently needs senior foreign professionals with innovative, decision-making and management skills.

"We sincerely hope for and welcome the arrival of more foreign experts, overseas Chinese experts and international friends to participate in China's modernization in every way in the future," Hui said.

After the ceremony, Hui, on behalf of Premier Wen Jiabao, invited the experts and their families to attend a grand reception to mark the 58th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, which falls on Saturday.

(Xinhua News Agency September 30, 2007)