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Chaoyang looks to strengthen international exchange

By Wang Sujuan (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-10-25 07:59

Chaoyang officials are seeking international talents in a bid to improve the Beijing district's regional competitive strength.

Local government has formulated a plan to attract 100 overseas talents within five years.

Selected participants in the Phoenix Plan are provided with startup capital, office space, social and commercial insurance, temporary housing and health insurance.

The first 25 talents chosen were awarded 8.5 million yuan.

"We hope we can create a virtual circle between our industries, enterprises and talented people," said local officials.

District authorities have set up the Wangjing Overseas Student Pioneer Park and Postdoctoral Center, a new media technology incubator and the CBD International Finance Research Institution to serve Plan participants.

"Services are a crucial part of Chaoyang's efforts to bring in talents and enhance their sense of identity and belonging," said authorities.

Local government hopes organizations such as overseas talents centers and clubs can facilitate the work of new recruits in Chaoyang.

Already, the overseas talents center has its own website and hotline, providing businesspeople with relevant and up to date policy information.

The district also holds various international cultural and sports activities.

"The district's open and inclusive social spirit is good for the harmonious development of all talents," said local officials.

A thriving economy

Chaoyang has the most foreign institutions and international organizations of any district in Beijing. With the exception of Russia and Luxembourg, all embassies are located in the region.

About 90 percent of Beijing's foreign press offices - including those of BBC, VOA, AP, AFP, Time magazine and the Wall Street Journal - are based in Chaoyang.

The district also boasts 62 percent of Beijing's international industrial associations, 48 percent of its international travel agencies and 75 percent of its foreign-funded banks.

Around 70 percent of the city's Fortune 500 regional headquarters and offices are in Chaoyang.

Last year, the district's total import and export volume reached nearly $84 billion, accounting for about 39 percent of Beijing's total.

Around 35.6 percent of Beijing's paid-in foreign capital, about $2.2 billion was from Chaoyang.

The district has more than 260 international education organizations, including 17 international schools.

Half of all foreigners in Beijing - a population of about 55,500 -reside in Chaoyang's international communities, including Maizidian, Wangjing, Yayuncun and Jianwai.