On September 29, the second Guangdong Friendship Award ceremony was held today in Guangzhou. Wang Xi, Member of Standing Committee of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, and Zhang Guozhi, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee and Vice Governor of Guangdong, attended the ceremony and presented the awards.

In his remarks, Wang noted that Guangdong has served as the pioneer, trailblazer, and test field for China's reform and opening-up. Through more than 40 years of sustained effort, the province has transformed itself from a relatively underdeveloped agricultural region into China's leading economic powerhouse. This achievement would not have been possible without the wisdom and hard work of foreign experts and international friends, of whom this year’s honorees are outstanding representative and whose important contributions are much appreciated. As Guangdong embarks on the new journey of the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the province will remain committed to its mission by forging ahead with gratitude. Anchored to the overarching goal of taking the lead in advancing Chinese modernization, Guangdong will deepen the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, promote mutual reinforcement between industry and science and technology, and continue to pursue opening up of a higher standard and higher quality. All of these will offer an even broader stage for talent from around the world to showcase their abilities in the province. Guangdong will continue to improve its support and service system for foreign talent and to foster a first-class international business environment that is market-oriented and law-based. The province sincerely invites more foreign experts and international friends to innovate, start businesses, and settle down in Guangdong.

Zhang Guozhi read out the commendation circular issued by the Guangdong Provincial Government. The Guangdong Friendship Award is an honor established by the provincial government to recognize foreign nationals who have made outstanding contributions to Guangdong's economic and social development and its international engagement. This year, 47 foreign experts and international friends from 21 countries received the second Guangdong Friendship Award.