A growing number of students who received their education overseas have returned to central China's Henan Province since the provincial government began providing them with favorable policies.

Since 1992, Henan has offered financial assistance amounting to 8.1 million yuan (980,000 US dollars) to overseas-returned students to help them start research projects.

The provincial government has passed regulations giving these students better housing conditions, higher salaries, and professional titles.

So far, approximately 2,000 out of the 5,000 people who went abroad to study have returned to work, including 200 with doctoral degrees. Their research topics are mainly in the fields of chemistry, agriculture, medicine, physics and computer science, all urgently needed by the national economy, according to sources with local departments of education.

Last year, the province set up an economic development zone in the provincial capital of Zhengzhou at which overseas-returned students are able to start new projects.

In one instance, Dr. Wang Fuming designed a world-class road analysis system, and has bought a tract of land in the zone to expand the provincial road inspection center. More people are following Wang's example and launching their career in Henan.