Eastern China's metropolis of Shanghai successfully realized its plan to attract 10,000 overseas Chinese professionals to return in the last 27 months -- nine months ahead of schedule, local Personnel Bureau announced.

By the end of November, the bureau said 10,203 overseas Chinese returned from 110 countries and regions to work in the city. Most returned from developed countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom or Japan.

"Both the quantity and quality of overseas professionals returning is beyond our expectation," Ding Xuexiang, the bureau director said on Saturday.

In August 2003, the city launched a campaign to attract 10,000 overseas Chinese to work and live in the city within three years.

The bureau received more than 20,000 application e-mails and 40,000 telephone consultations. Another 110,000 people visited the bureau's Website (www.21cnhr.com) for information, since the plan was announced.

About 98 percent of returnees hold a university degree, of which 23 percent are PhDs and 63 percent are masters.

Meanwhile, private companies were a powerful magnet for overseas Chinese. Nearly 70 percent now work in the private sector. Emerging industries -- including management, economics, information technology and new materials -- were also popular.

Preferential policies have helped lure overseas Chinese back to the city. Perks include a Shanghai Residence Card, which entitles the holder to the same rights as locals, and government subsidies for those opening their own business in the city.

Starting from this year, children of returned overseas Chinese will be allowed to enter Shanghai's universities as a local, officials said.

To further boost city development, another round of professional recruiting will begin. Once again the city will look to attract 10,000 people this time.

The bureau will also establish three more overseas offices -- in the United States, Canada and Russi -- this year to facilitate applications.

(Shanghai Daily January 9, 2006)