Four scientists from Brazil, Italy, Japan and United States have been chosen by the Chinese government as outstanding overseas citizens for their work to promote cooperation in science and technology between China and the world.

They are Jose Albert de Camargo from Brazil, Umberto Colombo from Italy, Shouyichi Yishimoto from Japan, and Rita Colwell from the United States.

Their names were announced here today by the Ministry of Science and Technology, which also made public a list of Chinese scientists selected for their outstanding achievements in science and technology.

According to the ministry, Jose Albert de Camargo, president and CEO of the Brazilian Metallurgical Mining Company, has made a significant contribution to the development and production of high-strength, low-alloy steel using columbium in China since 1979.

Columbium is a raw material widely used in high-tech products.

Umberto Colombo, chairman of the Scientific Committee of the ENI Enrico Mattel Foundation, has furthered Sino-Italian cooperation and exchanges in science and technology since the early 1970s, said the ministry.

During his tenure as chairman of the Italian Nuclear Energy Organization, Colombo signed an agreement between China and Italy on cooperation in peaceful use of nuclear energy, which has been satisfactory to both countries.

Colombo has also been closely following environmental protection and development in China, and since 1994 has been a member of the China International Cooperation Committee on Environment and Development, which serves as a top advisory body for the Chinese government.

Japanese agronomist Shouyichi Yishimoto introduced the use of plastic sheeting to Chinese farmers in 1974. He has come to 26 Chinese provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions to offer help to local farmers. The technique introduced by him has facilitated poverty reduction in China.

Rita Colwell, director of United States National Science Foundation, was also cited by the ministry for her work to promote scientific and technological exchange between Chinese researchers and their overseas counterparts.