BEIJING - To upgrade human resources in key sectors, China has pledged to send a considerable number of professionals to receive overseas training at the government's expense by 2015, according to a statement from the training watchdog on Friday.

The statement, issued by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs (SAFEA), cited a newly approved five-year training plan and highlighted the special program which would cover 41,000 teachers, technicians and management staff in various institutions.

Among those selected, 200 university heads, 1,000 agricultural technicians and experts, and 1,000 mid-level or senior social management staff will be sent abroad each year, it said.

It also reserves quotas for government officials and senior management personnel within enterprises.

During the previous Five-Year Plan period (2005-2010), 257,000 people received this type of training.

Earlier this week, the SAFEA had revealed a separate program which aims to attract foreign talents to work for China's key industries.

Under previous SAFEA programs, each of the selected overseas professionals will be offered a subsidy of 1 million yuan ($158,373) to cover their living expenses.