BEIJING, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Two experts from Britain and Sweden were awarded the 2006 international scientific and technological cooperation award of China on Wednesday for their contributions to China's scientific development.

    British chemist Dr. Martin Atkins and Swedish biochemist Dr. Ingemar Ernberg shared the annual award offered by the Chinese government to foreign experts.

    Dr. Atkins has dedicated himself to improving cooperation between Britain and China in chemical engineering. In recent years,he helped launch three major cooperation projects between BP and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

    Dr. Ernberg, a professor in tumour biology with the Karolinska Institute of Sweden, has been active in encouraging cooperation inmedical education and biological medicine with various Chinese institutions.

    "The Chinese government has long attached great importance to international scientific and technological cooperation, which has greatly boosted China's economic and social development," Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang said at the awards ceremony.

    China will continue to promote international cooperation in keyareas such as advanced technology research and high-tech industrialization, Wan said.

    China established the award in 1994. A total of 47 foreign scientists, technology and management experts have won the award.