Forty foreign experts received awards from the Ministry of Science and Technology during a Lunar New Year reception on Sunday for their contributions since the launch of China's reform and opening-up policy in 1978.

Wang Zhigang, minister for science and technology, told the reception China appreciated the contributions of foreign experts in the past few decades, and wished that the cooperation and friendship would last a long time.

"Many of our international friends have traveled far from their home countries to China, and have offered their wisdom to China's technological advancement," Wang said. "You have made significant contributions to promoting China's integration and interconnection on the global stage."

Wang also acknowledged Chinese scientists' contributions in addressing the common challenges faced by humanity.

"With real action, China is dedicated to promoting globally advanced technology cooperation and innovation," he said.

China has established science and technology ties with 160 countries, signed 114 governmental cooperation agreements and 346 talent exchange agreements, and engaged in over 200 international organizations and multilateral mechanisms.

It issued 336,000 work permits for talented foreigners last year, and there are now more than 950,000 foreigners working in the country.

Yang Zekun contributed to this story.