Xiong'an goes all out to attract talent

Xiong'an New Area in Hebei province announced a set of policy measures on Tuesday to attract talent from all over the world, aiming to equip itself with personnel to build an innovation hub and a hot spot for entrepreneurship.

Among the 16 measures released at a news conference, top scientists will be provided with 20 million to 50 million yuan ($2.8 million to $6.9 million) for research funding and 3 million yuan as a living allowance, and will also be awarded a residential unit of no less than 200 square meters, according to the related document.

The scientists' fields should focus on key industries such as next-generation information technology, modern life sciences and biotechnology, new materials, aerospace information, green energy and financial technology.

High-level talent and teams from home and abroad are welcome to start businesses in the area, bringing their technology, projects and capital. They will be provided with funding support of up to 50 million yuan.

As a major hub for taking on functions nonessential to Beijing's role as China's capital, which includes universities, research institutions, medical institutions, business headquarters and financial institutions, Xiong'an has attracted many companies, as well as hospitals and universities.

The central government announced the decision to establish Xiong'an New Area — located about 100 kilometers southwest of Beijing — in April 2017 as a flagship project to advance the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and relieve Beijing of its noncapital functions.

Among the measures, one stressed that a green channel for foreign talent will be opened, providing talent visas and work-related residence permits.

International schools for their children will be established, and other convenient services in healthcare, finance, transportation and accommodation will be provided.

Graduates from universities with excellent performances can stay for free at a "talent station" in Xiong'an while participating in job application exams. After being recruited, they will receive living allowances for the first five years.

In terms of entrepreneurship, Xiong'an will regularly hold entrepreneurial competitions and provide platforms for startup or growth projects. Award-winning projects will receive up to 500,000 yuan and will be provided with free office and accommodation space for two years.

Talent in Xiong'an will be granted Xiongcai Cards, or Xiong'an Talent Cards, which are classified into three categories based on their abilities and fields.

More than 9,000 personnel have obtained such cards so far, according to the news conference.

Jia Mengshuang, who is an employee of China Telecom Digital City Technology Co in Xiong'an, received her card on Tuesday. She came to Xiong'an in 2021 from Beijing, together with her employer, which relocated from the capital.

"I'm very excited to have such a card, which brings me a great deal of preferential public services," the 29-year-old public relations worker said, adding that what most concerns her is her children's education.

She has a 2-year-old boy who will go to kindergarten next year. "I'm looking forward to seeing my son go to a great kindergarten then," she said.