Returned overseas Chinese students have a crucial role to play in the next phase of Fujian province's development, agreed the members of the newly-formed Fujian association of returned overseas Chinese scholars at the organization's first general assembly, held in the provincial capital Fuzhou on Dec 11.

The association is designed to tap the talent of China's rapidly growing pool of returning overseas students. More than 410,000 Chinese students returned to the mainland in 2015 after graduating overseas, up from 186,000 in 2011.

More than 700 young returnees have already joined the new association, more than half of whom are educated to master's level or above. These members now work in fields ranging from politics, industry and commerce, to art and culture, education and media.

Members of the just-founded Fujian association of returned overseas Chinese scholars pose for a photo with the new association's official name plaque during a meeting held in the capital of Fujian province, Fuzhou, on Dec 11. [Photo provided to China Daily]