THE Shenzhen Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau on Tuesday released implementation plans for cultivating Cantonese cuisine chefs in the city and selected a number of training institutions to launch trainings in making Cantonese dishes, the Shenzhen Economic Daily reported.

In light of Shenzhen being a migrant city, the plans encourage Guangdong cuisine chefs to absorb the essence of culinary skills from home and abroad to create Cantonese cuisine with Shenzhen characteristics.

Meanwhile, a number of training institutions will be selected from qualified vocational colleges, employment training centers and training bases for catering-related associations to carry out skills training for these chefs.

The plans also encourage renowned Guangdong cuisine catering brands to open restaurants in scenic spots and enrich the travel experience of tourists by offering characteristic Cantonese food.

Chefs who intend to start a business can take part in an entrepreneurial training program subsidized by the government. A qualified Cantonese cuisine master can apply for a secured loan of up to 300,000 yuan (US$43,251) to start a personal business and a secured loan of up to 3 million yuan for a partnership business.

Additional subsidies ranging from 100,000 to 500,000 yuan will be given to support key projects. Those who are recognized as elite chefs can apply for subsidies of no more than 200,000 yuan within two years to pay for skills training, exchanges and competitions at home and abroad.

Moreover, 500,000 yuan will be awarded to the Cantonese cuisine masters who are rated as “Shenzhen artisans,” according to the plans. (Zhang Yu)