China will improve the living and working conditions of foreign experts in order to attract more to China, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Saturday.

In a gathering to welcome the Chinese lunar new year at the Great Hall of the People, Wen exchanged views with more than 20 foreign experts on current development in China. He listened to their opinions on further construction of the Chinese society.

Extending heart-felt greeting and blessing to foreign experts and their relatives, Wen said the old foreign experts are close comrades and earnest friends to the Chinese people. They have dedicated their life to the Chinese revolution and construction, which the Chinese people will never forget.

The foreign experts, though in their eighties, continue to show great concern about China's opening up, construction and reunification, Wen said. He said old foreign experts should be ensured a happy and healthy life. Advice and suggestions raised by the experts should be carefully listened to and adopted.

Wen also briefed the foreign experts the social and economic development in China during the past year.

After the meeting, Wen shook hands and took photos with the foreign experts.

Present at the meeting were other senior officials including He Guoqiang, Wang Gang, Tang Jiaxuan and Hua Jianmin.

(Xinhua News Agency February 6, 2005)