(L-R) Li Xuedong, Wang Xiaotao, Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi, Xu Shaoshi and Lin Yi. (Photo: CGTN)

The Embassy of Pakistan presented four Chinese dignitaries with civil awards on behalf of the Pakistani president at a ceremony on Friday.

Three of the awardees were recognized for their efforts in promoting the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, one of the flagship projects under the Belt and Road Initiative.

They are Xu Shaoshi, former chairman of the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), Li Xuedong, former director general in the International Cooperation Department of the NDRC, and Wang Xiaotao, head of the International Development Cooperation Agency.

Lin Yi, vice president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, was awarded for her contribution to the exchanges between the youth of the two countries.

The Pakistan Civil Awards is bestowed on citizens of Pakistan and foreign nationals for their immense service towards the country. The Chinese dignitaries are said to have all made extraordinary efforts to strengthen Pakistan-China economic cooperation, cultural exchanges and promote trade and investment.