Shanghai honors 50 expats with Magnolia Silver Awards

SHANGHAI,Nov. 28, 2024/PRNewswire/ --A news report fromkorean.shanghai.gov.cn

Shanghaipresented its annualMagnolia SilverAward to 50 outstanding expats from 18 countries onNov 23, recognizing their significant contributions to the city's development and international exchanges.

The ceremony took place at the Grand Halls on the northern end of the Bund, withKong Fu'an, director-general of the Foreign Affairs Office of Shanghai Municipal People's Government, conferring the medals and certificates to the recipients.

In his address, Kong emphasizedShanghai'sstatus as an international, innovative, and inclusive city that has taken the lead in achieving Chinese-style modernization. He highlighted the vital roles that expats, foreign-invested enterprises, and foreign institutions play in the city, noting that they have been"not only witnesses, but also active participants and contributors."

This year's award recipients come from diverse fields such as trade, finance, technology, shipping, healthcare, education, culture, sports, and agriculture. Among those honored wasPietro BrambillafromItaly,North Asiachief financial officer at L'Oreal China. Brambilla has spearheaded L'Oreal's investment and development inShanghai, helping the Chinese market become the company's largest globally. He has also contributed to creating a market-oriented, law-based, and international business environment in the city.

ProfessorMarc DelpechfromFrance, a representative of the awardees, shared his experiences contributing to Sino-French medical cooperation over three decades. As the coordinator of the French-language training program for medical students at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and currently vice-dean of the Sino-French School of Medicine at the university, Delpech emphasized the enduring and expanding friendship betweenChinaandFrance. He noted that his predecessor, ProfessorGuy Vincendon, received the Shanghai Magnolia Silver Award in 2003, highlighting the continuity and strength of their bilateral medical and educational relationship.

Another awardee, Carlo D'Andrea, chief representative of Studio Legale DAndrea, has helped many foreign companies settle inChina, particularly inShanghai. The Italian lawyer praisedShanghaias"the best location to do business inChina", especially in the fields of new technology and high tech. He highlightedShanghai'scommitment to deepening reform and opening-up, which gives the city"a lot of potentials to be unleashed".

D'Andrea valued the direct access to the city's leadership, noting that each year, theShanghaimayor meets with international business leaders to seek advice, feedback, and ideas for better development of the city."I had the opportunity to meet many times with the mayor and the vice-mayor to discuss how we can attract more European investment intoShanghai,"he said."I like this kind of opportunities where you have direct access to the leadership, because the exchange of ideas and exchange of opinion is the best way in order to have a better future together."

Shanghaibegan awarding theMagnolia SilverAward to expats in 1989, later introducing theMagnolia GoldAward and Honorary Citizenship in 1992 and 1997, respectively. Over the past 35 years, 1,877 expats have received these honors, underscoring the city's appreciation for their contributions.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/shanghai-honors-50-expats-with-magnolia-silver-awards-302318085.html

SOURCE korean.shanghai.gov.cn