BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government on Sunday honored 50 foreign experts from 20 countries for their contributions to China's development.

"The foreign experts are intimate friends of the Chinese people, envoys for China's international communication and important force for China's development. The Chinese people will remember their contribution to China's development forever," said Vice Premier Ma Kai at the annual "Friendship Award" ceremony held at the Great Hall of the People.

Congratulating all honored experts, Ma said China will adopt more open policies to attract overseas talent and create good environment for their work in China.

The "Friendship Award" is an annual award issued by the Chinese government to honor outstanding foreign experts in China. The Friendship Award scheme was established in 1991.