Cultural and sports professionals will be given incentives to work in Beijing under a new local regulation due to take effect next month.

Beijing authorities have classified sports and cultural professionals into artists, sports stars, experienced staff from world famous cultural and sports companies, scientific field workers and managerial staff.

Under the new policy, personnel, be they Chinese or foreign, engaged in Beijing's cultural and sports sectors, will enjoy preferential treatment in buying houses and cars, as well as in professional assessment, and other perks.

In particular, foreigners will be able to extend their residence period to five years from the current one. It will be made easier for them to enter and leave the country.

The details will be released at the end of June.

(crienglish.com February 11, 2003)