Development

Returned students got support in Dalian

By Zhang Xiaomin (China Daily Dalian Bureau)
Updated: 2011-06-30 16:54

DALIAN -- Twelve overseas Chinese scholars signed contracts with Dalian government on Thursday to get support for setting up their own enterprises in this coastal city of Northeast China's Liaoning province.

During the ongoing 2011 China Overseas Chinese Scholars Conference (CHINAOCS), the second batch of scholars that won Dalian's "Overseas Chinese Scholars Project" was revealed.

Each of the 12 scholars can enjoy preferential supportive policies, including two million yuan ($154,700) to start an enterprise, a 100-square-meter working space free of charge for three years, and a 100-square-meter apartment.

"For me, returning home and participating in the construction of our country with what I've learned abroad is a basic wish," said Zhu Quanhua, one of the 12 winners, at a conversation with Dalian's decision-makers after the signing ceremony.

Zhu received a master's degree in Germany. His project that won the government support is to build a business-to-business platform similar with Alibaba.com, a giant e-commerce service provider.

"The beautiful environment and the efficient government departments in Dalian really impressed me. Now I can also enjoy the preferential policies here. That's amazing," he said.

The "Overseas Chinese Scholars Project" was launched in 2008 to attract overseas Chinese scholars to set up hi-tech enterprises in Dalian. It plans to invite 10 world-class talents annually for five consecutive years.

In 2009, eight scholars were qualified and got support in money, office, and accommodation.

"Now their enterprises are running well. These top-level projects are playing an important role in boosting the development of Dalian's hi-tech industries," said Li Wancai, Mayor of Dalian.

Li told the scholars that Dalian will provide more favorable policies and better services to help them set up enterprises in Dalian.

The 2011 CHINAOCS, which is held from June 29 to July 1 in Dalian, attracts some 1,600 Chinese scholars who are studying or working abroad. They submitted more than 1,000 projects.