Shanghai: China today (Nov 26, 2004) honoured India's legendary film producer Ismail Merchant for his contributions to the global movie industry and also for launching the first-ever British-Chinese co-production in Shanghai.

Merchant, who is currently camping in Shanghai, China's largest city and the Communist nation's commercial hub for his 47th film, 'The White Countess,' was presented the prestigious award as part of the '2004 LYCRA Channel Young In Style Fashion Award', the glitziest fashion event in China.

Merchant, who was bestowed the "International Recognition Award" at an internationally-televised event said he felt "great" being the first Indian to be honoured by China at an event attended by a gamut of stars of the Chinese-Hong Kong movie industry.

"I feel great being the first Indian producer to receive an award in China in the field of cinema. I have received awards in the UK, India, France, US. But here (in China), this is the first time. That gives me a great feeling," Merchant told.

"It also shows that the Chinese are opening up. They are opening their doors," a beaming Merchant said while pointing out that since the famous Merchant Ivory production company launched the first British-Sino co-production, more foreign producers are attracted to make movies in China.