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Shanghai's Magnolia Silver Award Ceremony

On November 23, 2024, Shanghai held a momentous ceremony at the Great Hall located at the northern end of the Bund, where 50 distinguished expatriates from 18 different countries were honored with the Magnolia Silver Award. This prestigious accolade is presented annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to the city's development and international exchange.

Kong Fu'an, the Director-General of the Shanghai Municipal Foreign Affairs Office, presented the medals and certificates to the recipients. In his speech, he highlighted Shanghai's role as a global, innovative, and inclusive city that stands at the forefront of modernization in a uniquely Chinese context. Kong emphasized that expatriates, foreign-invested businesses, and global institutions are not merely spectators but vital participants and contributors to the city's progress.

This year's awardees span a diverse array of sectors including trade, finance, technology, maritime, healthcare, education, culture, sports, and agriculture. Among the notable recipients was Pietro Brambilla from Italy, the finance chief for L'Oreal China. Brambilla has played a pivotal role in steering L'Oreal's investments in Shanghai, ensuring its status as the company's largest market globally. He has also been instrumental in creating a market-driven, rule-of-law business environment in the city.

Another honored recipient, Franka Gulin from Croatia, is the Director and Chief Representative of the Croatian Tourist Board in Shanghai. Kong lauded her tireless efforts to share China's narratives with the world, promoting the wonders of Shanghai while highlighting the city's unique cultural heritage.

The awards also recognized Carlo D'Andrea, a lawyer from Italy who has assisted numerous foreign companies in establishing a presence in China, particularly in Shanghai. D'Andrea praised the city as the ideal location for business in China, specifically in new technology and high-tech sectors. He spotlighted Shanghai's commitment to deepening its reforms and opening up, therefore unlocking extensive potential for development.

Furthermore, D'Andrea noted the direct access granted to the city's leadership, sharing his experience of meeting with the Mayor of Shanghai annually to discuss how to attract more European investments to the region. He expressed appreciation for these opportunities, stating that exchanging ideas and opinions plays a crucial role in collaborating for a better future.

The Magnolia Silver Award has been bestowed by Shanghai since 1989, with the Magnolia Gold Award and honorary citizenship introduced in subsequent years. Over the past 35 years, a remarkable total of 1,877 expatriates have received accolades, reflecting the city’s gratitude for their invaluable contributions.

In conclusion, the Magnolia Silver Award not only honors individual achievements but also reinforces Shanghai's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that welcomes talents from around the globe. The city looks forward to its continued collaboration with expatriates who serve as ambassadors of friendship between China and the world, narrators of Shanghai’s stories, and representatives of the city’s image.