Foreigners feel at home in Changning

On Wednesday, Shanghai's Changning district announced 10 Hongqiao Friendship Award winners and another five nominees, honored for their outstanding contribution to the district's economic and social development, as well as international communications.

As one of the Hongqiao Friendship Award winners, Per Askeland, legal representative of DNV China Co Ltd, said the award is a recognition both for himself and the company.

The attraction of Shanghai, Askeland said, comes in many forms. "It is a modern city, probably the most well-run city in the world, I would say. I'm impressed with what Shanghai and Changning (district) are doing in … creating a livelihood… with focusing on the (carbon) emission, … but also focusing on the green areas," he said.

"I had …to say it's recognition for all the work that many people are doing, the whole team," said Sarai Nietvelt, family medicine physician, and program director of family medicine fellowship at Shanghai United Family Hospital.

Nietvelt received a phone call on Christmas Day last year (Dec 25) to tell her she was on the award shortlist, which she said left her surprised and honored.

She said she is impressed by the city's safety, efficiency, and the huge progress made over the past 20 years.