China's first evaluation criteria specifically targeting foreign business talent were unveiled in Yiwu county-level city in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, as the Pilot Implementation Rules for Facilitating Foreign Investors' Work in China was issued on June 6.
Under this policy, expats with valid work permits operating businesses in Yiwu may qualify for tiered talent status based on their economic contributions.
As of now, over 8,600 expats hold work licenses in Yiwu and 609 have been certified as business talent since the trial began.
Kamal Arshad from India has been doing business in Yiwu for 20 years. He earned Class-B talent recognition after his company achieved annual trade settlements exceeding $500,000. "Instead of yearly applications for visa reissue, I can apply every two to four years after the recognition," he said.
Having trade ties with more than 230 countries and regions and averaging over 28,000 foreign merchants every day, Yiwu launched this pilot initiative in September 2024 to foster an inclusive ecosystem attracting global investors.
Based on traditional metrics like education or seniority, evaluations now also include years of work experience, employment promotion, import and export volume, and trade settlements, according to the Yiwu science and technology bureau.
Foreign businesspersons can receive varying benefits depending on their recognition and contributions. Class-A talent can enjoy five-year work permits, priority approvals, and preferential recommendations for honors, while Class-B talent can receive two- to four-year work permits and other support.
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