Apart from the objective of attracting overseas talents to the city, the recently enhanced 30-point talent policy established by the municipal government of Shanghai also aims to promote more effective talent exchange programs.

According to the new talent policies, universities and high-level education institutions are encouraged to set up their research branches and education organizations overseas while enterprises are also encouraged to establish facilities such as factories, R&D centers and incubators abroad.

The government said that these measures have been included to attract foreign talents to assist the development of these overseas facilities, which will eventually have a positive impact for the parent domestic companies and education institutions.

"Shanghai will be the pioneer in creating a breakthrough in the implementation of more open and effective policies that can draw more foreign talents to work in overseas Chinese businesses," said Zhou Haiyang, director of Shanghai Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau.

The enhanced policies also have an added emphasis on the development of the human resources sector in a bid to make Chinese companies competitive on the global stage, which in turn aids the bilateral exchange of talents.

"More local talent will be introduced to Chinese companies based in foreign countries while overseas talents can apply for job positions through these human resources agencies for jobs here in Shanghai," said Xiao Lin, director of Shanghai Municipal People's Government Development Research Center.

The new policies have also loosened the visa requirements for professional experts and scholars in high-level education and research institutes who are looking to participate in overseas events.

Additionally, the Shanghai government is also planning to cultivate talent by encouraging foreign-invested research institutions to set up laboratories and talent training centers in partnership with local universities, research institutions and enterprises.

"We are hoping to speed up the exchange and collaboration of talents and attract more international events such as forums, meetings and trade fairs through such joint ventures," said Xiao.

(China Daily USA 10/07/2016 page7)