Fifty people from 19 countries were given the Magnolia Silver Award in recognition of their contribution to Shanghai’s development. Among those recognized were senior managers of international companies, such as Costa Crociere, Carrefour Group, Fuji Xerox (China) and Coca-Cola, as well as several experts. The awards were presented by Zhang Xiaosong, Director General of Shanghai’s Foreign Affairs Office. He said that China was now dedicated to promoting innovation-driven development and industrial upgrading and this had provided good opportunities for foreigners. Zhang urged them to actively participate in the development of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, join in Shanghai’s efforts to build itself into an international cultural metropolis, and “support our policies, such as public innovation and startup campaign, and the One-Belt, One-Road strategy, as well as further promote international exchanges”. A total of 1,059 foreigners have received the Magnolia Silver Awards, named after Shanghai’s official flower, since they were inaugurated by the city government in 1989.