BEIJING, Sept. 30 -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday welcomes more foreign experts and talent in China's modernization construction in order to promote the country's economic restructuring and upgrading.

Li made the remarks when meeting at the Great Hall of the People with a group of foreign experts who had recently received the Friendship Award, given annually by the Chinese government to honor outstanding foreign experts in China.

Speaking highly of their efforts for China's development, the premier said China will continue to provide favorable working and living conditions for them.

As the world's largest developing country, China is at a critical stage of economic restructuring and upgrading, he said, adding that "we should not only make use of Chinese talent resources and market space, but also adopt a more open policy for foreign experts."

Li called for the protection on intellectual property and reform on streamlining administration as well as delegating power to lower levels in order to create a better environment for entrepreneurship and innovation.

These foreign experts introduced their achievements in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, boosting the real economy, and expanding two-way investment, and expressed their willingness to contribute to China's development.

At the invitation of Li, the recipients attended the reception marking the 68th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.