On April 8, the Hefei administration held a ceremony granting the first Hefei Friendship Awards for Foreign Experts. Ten foreign experts from seven countries working in Hefei won the awards.

This is the highest number of such awards given by the Hefei administration. Mayor Zhang Qingjun made the presentations, and vice mayor Wang Xiang gave a speech.

Wang Xiang said that the foreign experts have made great contributions to the development of Hefei, and helped promote cooperation between Hefei and the international community. Hefei people will always remember what the foreign experts have done for the city.

Hefei is building a “l(fā)ake city” and a “center for innovation”. It will focus on major strategies and advanced global technology, and promote the construction of high-end research institutes and national-level science and technology centers. Hefei will also develop emerging industries according to its natural advantages, and attract more talented individuals to come here to start their own businesses.

Wang Xiang required that all departments should take suggestions from the foreign experts seriously and apply them in daily work. He hoped that all the foreign friends would introduce Hefei to more international people and invite them to live and work in Hefei.

The only female winner of the award is from South Africa. She expressed her gratitude to the government for granting her the award, and added that she feels safe and comfortable working in Hefei and plans to continue to add to its language training resources.

Other officials also attended the event.