China is to welcome more foreign experts to help the country's economic and social development.

Addressing a reception on Sunday, Vice Premier Li Keqiang said more overseas experts are welcome to help in the country's modernization. Some 1,800 foreign experts and Chinese officials, attended the reception just ahead of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Li Keqiang thanked them for their hard work and dedication, and promised China will continue attracting and gathering international personnel. The number of overseas experts working in China has continued to rise, reaching 480 thousand in 2008. China set up the Friendship Award in 1991, the country's highest award for foreign experts. It is given to those who have made outstanding contributions to China's progress.