In the report of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that people with talent are a strategic resource for China as it endeavors to achieve national rejuvenation and stay ahead in international competition. In recent years, the Central Committee of CPC and the State Council have attached great importance to the introduction of foreign talents and intellects. Since the 18th National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping has had three meetings with foreign experts working in China and delivered important speeches, proposing an important statement of “assemble the best minds across the land and draw fully on their expertise” and calling for a more proactive, open and effective talents introduction policy. In doing so, we can accelerate the building of a world leading talent mechanism where foreign talents who aspire to work in China can come smoothly, stay willingly, serve suitably, and flow flexibly.
In 2018, according to the institutional reconstruction plan of the State Council of China, the Ministry of Science and Technology was reconstructed by taking over the Stated
Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs while the name of the latter is retained. With a view to better implementing the strategies of rejuvenating the country through science
and education, of reinvigorating the country through talents, and of innovation-driven development, central government made this major strategic adjustment to reinforce
the construction of national innovation system and promote the building of high-level technological talents contingent.
Nowadays, a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is gaining momentum. Reconstruction of the Ministry of Science and
Technology links the foreign expertise introduction with scientific and technological innovation, providing a better platform to match the international talent with domestic needs. Further optimization and improvement of China’s scientific and technological innovation and talents introduction release the enormous potential of science and technology as the primary productive forces and that of talents as the most important resource.
The introduction of foreign talents and intellects promotes the continuous innovations in basic research frontiers in China, accelerating the development of emerging strategic
industries, and propelling the transformation of economic development mode. From April 1st, 2017, the work permit system for foreigners rolled out nationwide, facilitating foreigners’ work procedures in China and standardizing relevant management. Since March 1st, 2018, Measures for Implementing the Foreign Talent Visa has been put into effect nationwide., marking an important step toward a more proactive, open and effective talent introduction policy. By the end of February, 2019, the number of approved Foreigner’s Work Permits (above 90 days) totaled 472,921, while the number of the same permit (under 90 days) and the Invitation Letters for Foreign Experts totaled 16,108.
2018 marks the 40th anniversary of Reform and Opening up. As General Secretary Xi Jinping said, foreign experts deserve the credit for the great achievements of China’s Reform and Opening up At the grand conference celebrating the 40th anniversary of Reform and Opening up, CPC and the State Council awarded the China’s Reform Friendship Medals to 10 foreign friends, including Alain Merieux, a scientist who helped China fighting against infectious diseases, and Werner Gerich ,the first foreign factory director in China. Under the guidance of The Ministry of Science and Technology (SAFEA), The vote for The Most Influential Foreign Experts during 40 Years of China’s Reform and Opening up and the exhibition demonstrating foreign expertise introduction achievements over the past 40 years showcase the outstanding contribution and sincere riendship of foreign experts during Reform and Opening up, demonstrating the valuable experience of how foreign talents and intellect serve the course of Reform and pening up.
Socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era, so as the international cooperation in science, technology and talents. At the grand conference on the 40th
Anniversary of Reform and Opening Up, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that the Reform and Opening up has waded through thousands of miles, but we have to conquer higher mountains and rougher waters before we achieve further development.
On the way, foreign experts who work in China are close friends to Chinese people and they serve an important pillar of the China’s modernization. From the 156 industrial aid projects of the Soviet Union to the development of high-speed train technology, from the first foreign factory director Werner Gerich at the beginning of the Reform and Opening up to the foreign dean Bruno Briseghella working in Fuzhou University, the foreign experts spare no efforts in contributing to China’s economic and social evelopment. As the envoys of friendship and cultural exchanges between China and the world, they have developed a profound friendship with Chinese people, creating a great many moving stories. By introducing a real and colorful China to foreign countries, the foreign experts serve as the bridge which links China and the world.
We have selected 25 articles from the foreign expert reports published in the International Talent magazine in the past five years, compiling them into the book Chinese Dreams of Foreign Experts. The book introduces foreign experts’ work, life, achievements and contributions in China. It presents an open and inclusive policy of talents and intellects introduction of China, showcasing a preferential environment for innovation and entrepreneurship. It tells Chinese stories and spreads Chinese voice well, contributing to the in-depth study and implementation of Xi Jinping’s thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era and the spirit of the 19th National Congress of CPC. It serves as the tribute of the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.

Zhang Jianguo
Deputy Minister, Ministry of Science and Technology
of the People’s Republic of China Administrator,
State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs
March 2019