In China's Silicon Valley, talent fosters growth

When the Shenzhen special economic zone was established, the city had about 300,000 residents. Those with educations above secondary school numbered only 4,000.

Forty years after the launch of China's reform and opening-up, the metropolis is home to more than 5 million workers officially designated as high-level talent, as well as 100,000 professionals who have returned from overseas.

Pursuing and treasuring skilled technicians and R&D talent has played - and will continue to play - an essential role in the reform pioneer's success, observers say.