THE number of experts from overseas working in Shenzhen in 2005 was 70,985, more than double the figure recorded in 2001, the Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported yesterday (Aug 23).

The number was released after a citywide survey conducted by the personnel bureau and the city's statistics bureau over the past six months.

Professionals from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan accounted for 70 percent of the group, while the other 30 percent came from 30 countries, the report said.

Most of the overseas experts were employed by foreign-invested companies in Shenzhen, occupying senior managerial posts, the personnel bureau said in the report. More than 20 percent of the group were company heads, while 40 percent were senior managers and 30 percent senior engineers.

The report also said the professionals, scattered in various industries, brought in advanced management skills and expertise and played an important role in the city's development. Half the group was engaged in manufacturing industry, the Daily Sunshine said, adding others worked in wholesale and retail, property leasing, commercial services, real estate and transportation.

In 2005, Masaaki Inagaki, the Japanese managing director of Fuji Xerox Shenzhen Ltd., was presented the national Friendship Award by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs. Over the past few years, eight foreign experts in Shenzhen have won the annual award which was authorized by the State Council. It was established in 1991 to award significant contributions by foreign experts.

Twenty-one others have also been given the Guangdong Friendship Awards.

Editor: Wing