The Beijing municipal investment promotion bureau has rewarded 17 senior officials of foreign companies in an awards ceremony to attract more professionals to Beijing.

An official of the bureau said Tuesday it was the first time the Beijing municipal government had honored individuals working in foreign enterprises and more professionals were expected to benefit from the policy in the future.

On March 1, the Beijing government promulgated a policy that senior Chinese or foreign officials of foreign enterprises with a registered investment at least 10 million US dollars could apply for a special award to buy houses and automobiles.

Only those who have worked at least two years in a foreign company can apply.

Seventeen senior officials from 12 foreign enterprises applied for the award and a total of 1.8 million yuan (US$216,900)has been dispensed.

"Many countries and regions have made preferential policies for foreign enterprises, but few for individuals. Foreigners working in Beijing will feel greatly encouraged," said Tsuyoshi Suzuki, manager-general of the Shougang NEC Electronics Co., Ltd, who received 300,000 yuan (US$36,000).

(Xinhua News Agency September 3, 2003)