Fenghua district in Ningbo unveils an upgraded recruitment initiative, the Fenglu Yingcai Plan, on Jan 15 in an attempt to attract more skilled workers and bolster economic development. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

Fenghua district in Ningbo unveiled an upgraded recruitment initiative, the Fenglu Yingcai Plan, on Jan 15 to attract more skilled workers and bolster economic development.

The plan lowered the academic requirements for research team leaders from a doctoral degree to a master's.

The city will offer more incentives to attract skilled professionals, according to the 2020 version of the plan.

Applicant companies will be eligible to receive a series of government subsidies and awards. Startups can apply for subsidies of up to 30 million yuan ($4.47 million) and an office as large as 2,000 square meters. Those registered in the district will be awarded as much as six million yuan after going public, according to the document.

Liu Jianghua, executive president of Huapu Microelectronics Technology (Ningbo) Co Ltd, said that Fenghua's support for entrepreneurship is the reason why the company has chosen to set up operations in the district.

Liu Fengwei, an employee at Ningbo Ruiling New Energy Technology Co Ltd, said that the district's government services for high caliber professionals make him feel right at home.

Fenghua has seen outstanding results in expanding its talent pool in recent years, which has helped fuel its vibrant economic growth.

The number of skilled workers included in "Dazoulang", an initiative launched by the district to attract talent, has exceeded 130,000.