Chinese premier calls foreign talent to China

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Wednesday that China welcomes foreign talent to start their own ventures in China and conduct various forms of cooperation.

Li made the remark when meeting with foreign experts who won the Chinese government's Friendship Award for this year in the Great Hall of the People.

Li said China is driving growth with innovation. He said the Chinese government is encouraging people to set up businesses and engage in innovation, mobilizing enthusiasm and creativity of all sections of society, so as to transform China from dependence on natural to human resources.

Li congratulated the experts for winning the government award. He thanked all foreign experts in China and international friends who support China's modernization drive and extended greeting to their families.

Li said the Friendship Award not only embodies friendship between the Chinese people and the people of other countries, but helps maintain world peace and promotes common development.

Li emphasized that the Chinese government is working on protecting the rights and interests of foreigners by providing foreign talent with personal service that is up to international standards. The Chinese government plans an even better environment for foreign workers in terms of visas and resident documents.

China plans to open up national science projects, awards, professional qualifications and membership of academies to foreign talent. China will provide them with space to develop and the necessary environment to realize personal goals.

After the meeting, the award-winning foreign experts and their families attended a reception to commemorate the 66th anniversary of the founding of new China.

Chinese Vice Premiers Zhang Gaoli and Ma Kai also attended the meeting. Endi