How to attract more world-class talents, to help the country to become competitive, is a focal issue in China. Over the decades, the government has been easing the residency and entry policies for foreigners, to invest or open businesses, and boosted international exchanges. Yet, this process has been criticized by many as too slow for China's real demand. CGTN correspondent Han Bin went to Shanghai, a pioneer in helping international talents obtain permanent residency, or the green card. He also interviews some national political advisors.

KAREL VITS, LAB MANAGER SOLVAY, SHANGHAI "There is no any doubt in my mind that China is probably one of the best places in the world where you can be. This card potentially gives me access to the same social and economic benefits as the local Chinese citizens have."

JOHN ROBERT ROWLAND, CHIEF ENGINEER SPREADTRUM COMMUNICATIONS, SHANGHAI "Lots of the manufacturing, high-tech industries are done here, the engineers are here. That's shown when people want to apply for a permanently status."

HAN BIN SHANGHAI EXIT-ENTRY ADMIN. BUREAU "China began to issue permanent residency permits in 2004. However, getting a Chinese green card has been difficult due to the high requirements. And green card holders have complained that the card is more like a long-term visa instead of making daily life easier. More reforms to ease entry policy are under way."

I'm very happy to have this card because it is quite difficult to obtain such card.

JOHN ROBERT ROWLAND, CHIEF ENGINEER SPREADTRUM COMMUNICATIONS, SHANGHAI "The easy answer is that I can get in and out of the country without having to check in and out."

KAREL VITS, LAB MANAGER SOLVAY, SHANGHAI "This card gives me an increased feeling of increased safety, and I would not have the obligation to leave China within a short period of time."

"And of course there're other additional benefits, like investment."

"Or, it grants the right to assist your kid in a school, the reality is foreigners do pay a significantly higher."

CAI BAODI, DIRECTOR SHANGHAI ENTRY-EXIT ADMIN. BUREAU "Currently China has carried out a new policy, about overseas Chinese. If they reside in China for work, or to study, or family reunion, they can apply for 5 years long term resident permit."

ZHAO JI, PRESIDENT NORTHEASTERN UNIV. "We need to loosen policies. Only by creating comprehensive factors in forming a strong market to attract talents, can China get all kinds of world-class talents."

LI YANRONG, PRESIDENT SICHUAN UNIVERSITY "Our management system is out of line with the world. Usually we only treat foreign talents as domestic staff."

CHENG JIANPING, PARTY SEC. BEIJING NORMAL UNIVERSITY "This is an urgent issue to be resolved. Foreign talents who have been working in China for a long time, should at least enjoy equal treatment with Chinese."

KAREL VITS, LAB MANAGER SOLVAY, SHANGHAI "I sincerely hope the locals will be better aware of the value, meaning of the card – this card is the same as an ID card, what people call it a Shenfenzheng."

JOHN ROBERT ROWLAND, CHIEF ENGINEER SPREADTRUM COMMUNICATIONS, SHANGHAI "It would be easier if they had someone like a liaison who can help me go through the documentation process. Just simple, coming in, is it the document? Yes. Stamp. Go ahead. That will help a lot."