BEIJING, Sept. 29 -- The Chinese government on Tuesday conferred its Friendship Award to 50 foreigners from 21 countries working in China, in recognition of their contribution to China's development.

Addressing the ceremony, Chinese Vice Premier Ma Kai said China will adopt more efficient and open policies to attract foreign talent, establish more convenient, open and transparent channels for their employment, and offer better protection of intellectual property rights.

"We welcome foreign talent of all categories to participate in China's reform and development, promote mass innovation and serve as cultural envoys," Ma said.

"The Chinese government and people will never forget the positive contribution that foreign experts have made to China's development and progress," he added.

First conferred in 1991, the Friendship Award is the government's top honor for foreigners working in China. So far, 1,449 have been awarded.