On January 5, the Ministry of Personnel (MOP) issued the 11th Five-Year Plan for Returned Overseas Chinese Students to Work in China, indicating the Chinese government's sincere and enthusiastic desire for overseas Chinese students to return and serve their motherland. However, what kind of overseas talents is China currently in need of? How can these overseas Chinese integrate into society? Li Weiping, director of the Talent Strategy Research Office of the MOP's Institute of Human Resources Science gave the answers during an interview with People's Daily, published on January 18.

Question: What kind of returned overseas Chinese students are most suitable for China's Job market?

Answer: I think those able to create more social values while working are talents. One important factor is not to over-emphasize their overseas education background, but instead to focus on experiences they've accumulated during their studies overseas.

Q: Currently, what kinds of overseas talents is China in need of?

A: China is in urgent need of three kinds of overseas talents: Firstly, those able to promote sci-tech progress, ameliorate social development and increase China's innovative capacity. Secondly, those able to enhance China's contacts with the world and expand China's exchanges relating to international politics, economies, societies and cultures. This is closely connected with nationally significant and key innovative projects in such areas as energy, water and mineral resources, environment, agriculture, bio-technology, new materials, and frontier technologies; Thirdly, in order to cope with the industry upgrade and the use of foreign funds, China urgently needs a large group of high-level management professionals in finance, law and trade.

Q: Are there any specific definitions?

A: According to the general guidance of the government: The first are scientists enjoying a high reputation in international academia, who are the leaders or founders of a certain area, or who have made significant contributions to the development of a certain area;

The second, scholars or experts who have served as associate professors, associate researchers or above in famous foreign universities and scientific research institutes;

The third, those who have held senior management positions in top 500 enterprises or professionals who have held senior positions in famed multinational companies, financial organizations, well-known law, accountant, audit firms, and those who have expertise in one area and familiar with international rules and have profound management experiences;

The fourth, experts and scholars having held middle or senior management positions in foreign government organizations, inter-governmental organizations, famous NGOs (non-governmental organizations);

The fifth, those having made significant contribution in crucial areas recompensed by influential international academic awards, and those with their academic results widely recognized by experts in their fields;

The sixth, those having led international large-scale scientific research projects, or those with a wealth of experience in scientific research and engineering technologies;

The seventh, those who have significant technological inventions, and have patents of their independent intellectual property rights; and

The eighth, those who have other specialties.

Q: How could returned overseas Chinese adapt to China's job market?

A: In recent years, the domestic job market has been under mounting pressure. The returned overseas Chinese face ever more fierce competition. It is to be expected that they face difficulties in adapting to the local work environment upon their return. It takes some time to adjust. With the deepening of globalization and the development of China's market economy, the working environment of China is improving. However, there still remains a difference between China and developed countries and regions. Accordingly, they should adjust their attitudes and adapt to the environment while learning more about domestic policies and regulations.

(China.org.cn by Wang Qian, January 22, 2007)