Yuyao, a county-level city in Ningbo, Zhejiang province recently reached an agreement with Norman N. Li, one of the world's top scientists in membrane technologies, in a bid to introduce a research institute and a demonstration factory for the city's ambition in membrane industry.

Li is a Chinese American engineer and scientist renowned for his inventions and development of liquid membrane technologies. His research findings have been widely applied in the sectors of chemical engineering, environmental protection and resource regeneration.

Li is also a foreign member of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), one of China's paramount science academies.

"A few foreign members of CAS have made groundbreaking contributions to emerging industries and intelligent manufacturing, and introducing these professionals will benefit the industrial upgrading in the city," said Xi Ming, Party secretary of Yuyao.

Moreover, the settlement of scientists' teams will be an impetus to fulfill the role of Zhejiang in the country's "Made in China 2025" strategy, Xi added.

Earlier this year when Li visited Ningbo for inspection and investigation, the officials of Yuyao government held a heartfelt conversation with the scientist and invited him for in-depth cooperation.

"I look forward to the industrialization of my scientific findings," Li gave a positive response and made the final decision of settling his project in Yuyao after a two-day field trip.

Ningbo government has been endeavoring to provide fine services for world-leading professionals and top talent to start businesses, which has gained praises from home and abroad, according to an official from the Organization Department of Ningbo Municipal Party Committee.

Norman N. Li (center) signs an agreement with Yuyao government for the settlement of a membrane project in the city in Ningbo, Zhejiang province. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]