BEIJING - The Chinese government has set the goal of attracting at least 500,000 overseas Chinese scholars from 2011 to 2015 as the country is in large demand of high level talents to boost its development.

Scientists, team leaders and other talents in innovative science and technology who can "achieve technological breakthroughs and boost the country's hi-tech and emerging industries" are the country's main targets, according to the 2011-2015 blueprint on returned overseas Chinese talents released by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

The country also aims to attract talents in fields including equipment and manufacturing, information, bio-technology, new material, aviation, environmental protection, energy resources and modern agricultures.

"China will further improve policies regarding returned overseas Chinese in the next five years in accordance with the country's economic and social development... and create a favorable environment for them to utilize their talents," said the document.

In addition, the country plans to have 200 business start-up incubators by 2015, which are expected to house 15,000 enterprises run or participated in by returned Chinese who have studied abroad.

Figures show that the current 150 incubators are providing business start-up services for more than 8,000 enterprises and over 20,000 returning students.