Sweeteners to entice quality foreign startups

Chengdu has introduced a package of startup and innovation personnel policies for foreigners with promising startup projects or outstanding research achievements to lure top international personnel to the Southwest China city.

Qualified individuals can contact the city's human resources office and apply to be registered as one of Chengdu's leading foreign personnel.

Those selected who require housing are eligible to free accommodation of at least 80 square meters and up to 200 sq m or a government subsidy to be used for rent or to purchase a home, the policies state.

If selected researchers require offices, their employers should provide such space or subsidies to cover the cost.

Healthcare services will also be provided to all those chosen.

The city promises to provide special support for foreigners under the 10 new policies, according to the local police station, which handles visas for the city.

More companies will be permitted to employ foreign experts, whose spouses and children would be eligible for five-year stay visas allowing multiple entries.

Favorable policies for permanent residency are also part of the package.

The city plans to set up service teams in areas with dense populations of foreign residents.

These teams will offer registration and visa consultation services and even provide reminders when visas near their expiry dates.

A China (Chengdu) Human Resources Service Park is planned, offering services including consultation and HR development services.

Agencies will also be established to nurture intellectual achievements to industrial fruition .

Universities, leading enterprises and industrial parks are encouraged to inaugurate their own innovation and startup organizations.

Enterprises that become clients of such new organizations would be eligible for annual subsidies of up to 100,000 yuan ($15,350) each.

Such organizations set up by local enterprises will be subsidized at up to 2 million yuan each.

Services in household registration, housing and healthcare are to be strengthened and service centers and green channels set up.

A new award to honor excellent startup personnel who have at been in the city at least five years and made "great contributions".

They will be designated "Chengdu Excellent Personnel" and granted 1 million yuan each.

(China Daily 02/19/2016 page12)