China's southern province of Guangdong has issued "friendship awards" to almost 50 foreign nationals. They've been recognized for making outstanding contributions to the province's development and international exchanges. Cao Chufeng has more.

The first Guangdong Friendship Award ceremony was held on Monday in the province's capital city of Guangzhou. The award has been established by the provincial government, and 49 foreign nationals were chosen in 2022.

WANG RUIJUN Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Guangdong Committee "All of the award recipients are close friends with Guangdong people, serving as an essential bond that connects Guangdong and the world. They are also an important force in Guangdong's modernization and high quality development."

These 49 recipients made contributions to Guangdong in various areas, such as economic development, scientific research, city affairs and sports competitions.

FEOKTISTOV NIKOLAY China Representative of Russian Ice Hockey Federation Recipient, Guangdong Friendship Award "Really happy, because that actually means a lot to me. When you get an award from another country's government, and when you get an award for something you've been working for so long, so it means a lot. It's really important."

High-quality development is one of the primary tasks listed by Chinese central government, and also a key aim for the Guangdong provincial government. Many recipients of the award have their own understanding of the term.

NICHOLAS YOU Executive Director, Guangzhou Institute for Urban Innovation Recipient, Guangdong Friendship Award "I think high quality development encompasses many things. But I think the final proof of high quality development will be inclusiveness, and that we left no one behind."

CAO CHUFENG Guangzhou "Guangdong has long been a major hub for foreign exchange and trade. It's at the heart of the Greater Bay Area, and the local government says it will continue to open up, with policies to attract more foreign talents. Cao Chufeng, CGTN, Guangzhou."