The city government aims to increase the number of high-level talents in Shanghai to 15percent of its total population by 2010,with the main targets being overseas Chinese and foreign specialists.

　　According to the Shanghai Personnel Bureau,top-level talents,described as those with higher education and sophisticated business management or technology research experiences,account for only 0.51percent of the city's total population.

　　"The competition to be a world-class metropolis is also a competition for gifted people.The aggregate number of high-level talents in Shanghai still falls short considering it wants to be a global economic center,"said Sun Luyi,personnel bureau director.

　　Official statistics show that the proportion of high-level talents to population is as high as 20percent in New York,15percent in Singapore and 8percent in Hong Kong.

　　The 15-percent average is a world recognized standard to assess the internationalization of a city in terms of its human resources structure,and Shanghai aims to reach it in 10years,Sun said.

　　To achieve the goal,the bureau plans to launch more favorable work and welfare policies for overseas talents.A new residency system is to be put in place by month's end,through which out-of-town talents can enjoy the same benefits as Shanghai citizens in buying a house,children's education and business registration,the bureau announced.

　　Earlier this week,the Pudong district government organized a two-day job fair in Hong Kong,seeking talents to fill 700middle-and high-level posts in Pudong-based firms.

　　Thanks to the city's efforts,48,000expatriates and people from Hong Kong,Taiwan and Macau are working here,3,000more than a year earlier.

　　"I have been with a U.S.-based multinational in Shanghai for years.Now I am seeking a position in a Chinese firm or institute because they provide more opportunities,"said William Martens,an American technical engineer.

　　The city is also drawing back Chinese who have finished their study abroad.Some 20,000foreign-returned students now count Shanghai as their home,the bureau said.

　　Besides the overseas talents,the city is also awash with provincial people with special skills.

　　Last year alone,nearly 13,000such people were attracted to Shanghai,36percent higher than 2000.