Before the ceremony, on behalf of the provincial party committee and the provincial government, Yuan Jiajun expressed his congratulations to the award-winning experts and his gratitude to all foreign experts and international friends for their supporting in the modernization construction of Zhejiang province.

The "West Lake Friendship Award" is the highest honor established by the provincial government to recognize the outstanding contributions of foreign experts in the economic, social development and talent training of Zhejiang province. It has been established since 1997, and 649 experts have won this award, 44 among them have also won the China Government Friendship Award. This year's "West Lake Friendship Award" featured scientific and technological innovation and applied research. 50 foreign experts from 17 countries who are working in Zhejiang province received the honor.