"The SBFEA has become a pioneer in the introduction of talented foreign professionals to keep pace with market demand," said Liu Shuhe, director of the Department of Economic and Technical Experts of SBFEA.

Liu said the SBFEA will make efforts to introduce overseas academics to train domestic personnel, and strengthen management and services in the international intellectual market.

In the 1950s, the SBFEA presented "Friendship Commemorative Badge" to foreign experts who had made great contributions to New China's construction.

In 1991, the bureau introduced "Friendship Award" for foreign experts who worked hard for China's modernization and opening-up. Since 1991, 615 foreign experts from over 50 countries and regions have received the award.

In 1995, China launched a pilot plan to attract overseas agricultural professionals. In July that year, the bureau joined with the Ministry of Agriculture and initiated the first phase of the project: the introduction of a wide range of high-quality agricultural technology.

"With its entry into the World Trade Organization, China will face more sophisticated and wide-ranging international competition. The SBFEA will continue offering academic support to the promotion and development of all industries," said Liu.

In recent years, the bureau has invited over 1,400 foreign experts to give instruction on some new projects including how to protect natural resources and reduce desertification, watering and irrigating, and stock breeding. This keeps with China's policy on developing the west. So far 90 different types of overseas agricultural technology have been introduced to the area.

In addition, the bureau has offered training courses abroad to more than 1,000 persons.

The bureau has organized exchange meetings for international academics, and launched the "Assistance Project for West China", which is to attract professionals from developed areas to work in western areas.

Liu said the bureau has arranged for the publication of books about newly introduced technology, and is ready to make this new technology widely known through the Internet and remote education.

China began to invite foreign academics to the country in 1983.The SBFEA has introduced 6,000 to 8,000 advanced industrial projects annually.

(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2002