Despite a Guangzhou resident suspected of harbouring a SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) infection, some 2,000 Chinese educated overseas trekked here for an employment fair yesterday.

The sixth Convention of Overseas Chinese Scholars in Science and Technology lasts through tomorrow.

For most, hoping for an opportunity means a suitable job or a business partnership.

High-tech enterprises, governmental organizations, universities and research institutions say they are yearning high-calibre experts to fill roles in promising projects. They want talented individuals who can bring knowledge of the latest scientific and technological developments.

Lin Yuanhe, vice-mayor of the host city and deputy director-general of an organizing committee, said officials have taken effective measures to minimize the SARS impacts.

He said that the show must go on as a match-maker between job seekers and employers and between research institutions or businesses and potential investors.

Qian Kuan, who obtained a doctoral degree in the United States, is seeking a partner for his transparent conductive coating business idea.

"What I have been specializing in is the state-of-the-art technology of electro-optical materials," he said. "I believe many domestic investors will have an interest in my project."

According to Tan Jianxin, a representative with Xi'an Haitian Antenna Technologies Co Ltd, the large number of high-calibre professionals at the gala makes it much easier for his company to find the right people to work on high-tech projects.

The event is co-organized by the ministries of education, science and technology, and personnel as well as the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the municipal government of Guangzhou, and jointly managed by Beijing, Shanghai, Changchun, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Chengdu, Xi'an and Suzhou.

More than 6,000 Chinese experts schooled overseas attended the previous five conventions, many of whom have returned to China.

(China Daily  December 29, 2003)