Talent for our times

With the economy like this, job markets shrink globally. Yet not necessarily for everyone. The city of Kunming, for instance, is desperately seeking 40 PhDs in economics.

Of course, there are additional conditions besides a PhD in economic subjects. One has to be a Chinese citizen, born after June 1, 1969, and have completed full-time four-year undergraduate studies.

The capital of southwestern Yunnan province wants 40 such people to fill management positions equivalent to deputy county magistrates. That is an enviable shortcut, or through-train, into Chinese officialdom. It may take a decade, or longer, for a regular office clerk to get there.