Science Tour for Diplomats in China 2019-Chaoyang Session as well as the 7th Overseas Talent Entrepreneurship Conference(OTEC) was recently held in Beijing. Sima Hong, executive vice-chairperson of the Beijing Association for Science and Technology(BAST); and Chi Xinggang, member of the CPC Chaoyang District Standing Committee, addressed the event. Tian Wen, member of the BAST Party group and vice-chairperson of BAST; Huang Qingxin, director of the department of foreign affairs of Beijing Foreign Office; officials of BAST Chaoyang Section and the Organization Department of CPC Chaoyang Committee; diplomats from 16 countries including France, Italy, German, Austria, Switzerland; and entrepreneurs from various countries attended the event.

“Since its foundation from more than ten years ago, the event has been helping diplomats in China gain a deeper understanding of regional development and policies in Beijing to promote exchanges on technologies and innovations between China and other countries. OTEC has also been held for years to promote international cooperation in Chaoyang District where overseas talents gather,” said Sima Hong in her speech, “as an important organization in promoting technological innovations, BAST will strengthen cooperation with related districts, build an innovation ecosystem, and explore offshore innovation in the community of international talents.” She hoped that foreign embassies in China and all innovative institutions will strengthen cooperation with each other to better support the development of international talents in Beijing.

Chi Xinggang said, “Chaoyang District attracts international talents for clusters of multinational companies, international organizations, and international start-ups. In recent years, the Phoenix Project has also been launched here to further attract foreign talents to work, live, and start new enterprises in the district.” This year, as the Chaoyang Session of the Science Tour for Diplomats in China, was co-organized by Chaoyang District, BAST, and Beijing Foreign Office for the diplomats to gain a better understanding of the policies on overseas talents in Chaoyang District. He hoped that all relative parties will pool their efforts to build an encouraging environment for innovation and star-ups that attracts more overseas talents.

Centering around visa policies for foreign entrepreneurs, the Phoenix Project, innovation and start-up experience, innovation incubator projects, and investor assessment, the event facilitated conversations and cooperation by linking international entrepreneurs to domestic resources. Besides, the diplomats presented the Best Entrepreneur Award, Best Investor Award, Community Leader Award, and Best Innovator Award to winning organizations. Following the event, BAST departments, Chaoyang District Association of Science and Technology, and the Organization Department of the district party committee will strengthen coordination, deepen cooperation with embassies of countries known for technological innovations, and promote district development with international resources.