China has produced new preferential policies in order to attract more high-level talents studying abroad back to the motherland.

According to an announcement published on the official website of the Ministry of Personnel, 16 government departments have jointly issued a document to build a green path to facilitate the returns of high-level talents studying abroad and ensure them favorable treatments.

The document covers a series of rules to offer the talents with high paies and other priorities of project application, occupational qualification assessment, intellectual property protection and spousal employment.

High-level talents studying abroad will meet less restrictions in returning. They will also be granted with equal opportunities to participate in national key scientific projects and enjoy special subsidies and advantages in entering, leaving and staying in China.

The document said the return of high-level talents will get special treatment as China is in urgent need of talents on its way to build an innovative country.

The talents are welcomed to bring back advanced techniques and funds from abroad and to run their own high-tech companies. Those who cannot return are encouraged to take on part-time jobs or cooperative research with Chinese companies and organizations.

Statistics show that the number of Chinese studying abroad amounted to more than 1 million by the end of 2006. About 275,000 have returned. A total of 42,000 came back during 2006, a rise of 21.3% compared with 2005.