Dongguan began a program to elect 40 honorary citizens this year. Foreigners, overseas Chinese and Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan compatriots, who have made remarkable contributions to the city s economic and social development, can apply for the honorary title.
Foreigners, overseas Chinese and Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan compatriots who meet any of the following requirements may be awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of Dongguan:
1. Elites from foreign companies in Dongguan whose investment scales surpasses $50 million or hi-tech companies whose investment surpasses $ 20 million.
2. Those people who have donated 5 million yuan (or above) to charity.
3. Elites from foreign companies which have paid tax in excess of $40 million in the year of 2009.
4. Having made remarkable contributions to the promotion of external communication, to the establishment of friendly city relationships and to the development of exchange and cooperation between this Municipality and foreign cities; Having made remarkable contributions to peaceful reunification across the Taiwan Strait; Having made remarkable contributions in other fields
Dongguan has given the title of honorary citizen to 231 people since 1996. Honorary citizens enjoy the same benefits as a local citizen in fields such as social welfare and education.
(By Morvin Chow)
