SHENZHEN has designated an institution and 12 subdistricts to pilot its International Talent Community program in a move to attract world-class talent to ensure its future development.

    They are Shenzhen Talent Research Institute in Nanshan District and 12 subdistricts across the city that include Xiangmihu in Futian District, Guiyuan in Luohu District, Shekou and Zhaoshang in Nanshan District, Meisha in Yantian District, Xin’an in Bao’an District, Bantian in Longgang District, Minzhi and Guanlan in Longhua District, Pingshan in Pingshan District, Guangming in Guangming District and Dapeng in Dapeng New Area.

    They will explore practices in construction of international talent communities and accumulate experiences for the city to provide a good environment for the development of international talents, according to a plaque-unveiling ceremony held at Shenzhen Talent Research Institute on Sunday, the fourth Shenzhen Talent Day.

    Under the program initiated by the municipal talent affairs bureau, each subdistrict will set up service centers at communities that can offer one-stop foreigner-related services like accommodation registration, consulting about visas, work permits application and renewals, and can organize activities and create an environment that is contributive to luring talents.

    On the eve of Shenzhen Talent Day, Luohu rolled out 10 measures to encourage foreign talents to start up businesses.  It will also organize job fairs for international talents. High-end international talents will get preferential policies in loans, medical treatment, housing and children’s education.

    “The establishment of international talent service centers at communities will offer opportunities for expats to do business and learn Chinese culture,” said Mohamed Ahmed, an Egyptian businessman who has engaged in cosmetic business in Shenzhen for 20 years.

    More than 1,000 international talents from 80 countries and regions work and live in Guanlan Subdistrict. Home to Mission Hills Maker, Guanlan Printmaking Base and Aohu Lake Arts Village, the subdistrict is appealing to high-level art professionals. The subdistrict has also set up volunteer teams consisting of expats and local residents to offer bilingual services. Through Guanlan International Community Service Center, the subdistrict has organized art carnivals, photography exhibitions and seminars to help foreign residents get immersed into communities.

    Dapeng Subdistrict, known for tourism and culture, improved its public service by hiring employees with proficient skills in English, Russian and Japanese. It has set up a counter at the administrative service hall especially for expats. In tourist attractions, the subdistrict arranges interpreters to serve international tourists. The subdistrict’s law service station and community service center also offer overseas-related law consultations. International residents play an active role in community activities and are invited to attend seminars to offer suggestions on Dapeng development.

    (Han Ximin)