Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed efforts to implement the strategy on developing a quality work force in the new era and accelerate the work to build China into a major world center of professional talent and innovation.

President Xi made the remarks when speaking at a central conference on talent-related work, which was held September 27-28, 2021.

Why are human resources important?

At the two-day meeting, President Xi stressed the need to reinvigorate the country by developing human resources.

He pointed out that China is closer than at any time in history to realize the socialist modernization and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Therefore, the country is more eager than ever to have talented individuals.

Xi highlighted the importance of sci-tech self-reliance and self-strengthening, adding that talent is an important indicator of a country's comprehensive national strength.

"We should be keenly aware of potential dangers, pay more attention to the independent personnel training, and accelerate the establishment of competitive advantage in human resources," said Xi.

He also said a solid foundation of personnel is the key to achieving the country's long-term goals of realizing modernization by 2035 and making China a great modern socialist country in every dimension by 2050.

What are the principles for developing a quality workforce?

The CPC has attached great importance to talent management during its century-long endeavor, President Xi noted, adding that historical achievements and changes have been made in this regard since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012. 

He expounded the principles of China's strategy on developing a quality workforce, stressing the Party should exercise overall leadership over human resources and the country should make human resources the priority in the country's development. 

The Chinese president noted developing a quality workforce should focus on world-level cutting-edge technologies, main economic field, the country's critical needs, and the people's health. 

Xi called on the country to comprehensively foster people with talent, and to deepen institutional reform related to talent development. 

He also called for assembling the best minds and drawing fully on their expertise as well as creating a favorable environment in which people with talent are easily identified, well valued and respected and fully display their talent. 

In addition, President Xi underscored the importance of promoting the spirit of scientists. 

Building China into a major world talent, innovation center

Looking ahead, the Chinese president called for accelerating the construction of building China into the world's major talent center and innovation highland.

Xi pledged to substantially increase investment in the country's scientific research and development by 2025 and foster a large pool of globally competent professionals by 2030.

China aims to have some of the most competitive and high-end work forces in the world by 2035, he added.