The 2020 Camellia Award presentation ceremony is held in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province on Oct 9. [Photo/WeChat account: nbfb0574]

A total of 18 foreign experts were awarded the Camellia Award on Oct 9. The Camellia Award is the highest honor Ningbo can bestow upon a foreign national to recognize their contribution to the social and economic development of the city, whether in business and technology or culture and education. 

Qiu Dongyao, mayor of Ningbo, congratulated the winners and expressed gratitude to them for their outstanding contributions to Ningbo's development.

As a port city, a spearhead in opening up, and an advanced manufacturing center, Ningbo's development is closely connected with the international market and wouldn't be possible without support from foreign experts, Qiu said.

Ningbo is currently striving to become a model of the province's drive to transform itself into a shining example of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, he said.

"To achieve this goal, we need more scientific, technological, and human resources, as well as assistance from foreign experts and international partners."

The mayor expressed hope that foreign experts in the city would continue bringing high-quality enterprises and high-tech projects to the city and making efforts to promote the city's global profile. He also pledged that the local government will further optimize its business climate and services.