When Gilbert Van Kerckhoveis first came to China in the 1980s, he saw great potential in the country and began working to promote business cooperation between China and the rest of the world. His work has earned him a Chinese green card and several awards, including the Great Wall Friendship Award and the Shanghai Magnolia Prize for distinguished expatriates. Since the reform and opening-up, China's major cities have long been playing host to international visitors. Yet, experts say there's still considerable room for the number of foreigners working in China to grow. A certain percentage of foreign population can help in in terms of stimulating the economy and culture, which energizes a country.