Recipe for China's future success

Comment on "China, white faces and expertise" (China Daily, Sept 17)

China is a vast nation full of talented people. The country has proven its might, growing into the second-largest economy. It is expected to surpass the United States in the near future. It is an amazing feat, but it shows that success does not come easy. To grow further, China would do well to heed the author's advice.

First, China needs foreign talents who can significantly add value to and have a lasting impact on the economy. Therefore, carefully selecting foreign talents to work in China will be key to China's future success.

Second, China should not arbitrarily assume that foreigners always perform better than Chinese people. China has opened its door to many foreigners hoping that their experience and skill would add value to domestic products and services. Most people entering China will soon realize that Chinese wish expatriates to pass on their skills to them and want to work with foreigners on equal terms and treatment. Successful foreigners in China are those who make every effort to blend into Chinese culture, instead of despising it.

Third, China should accord top-level talents special treatment regardless of age, race or origin. I have heard many stories from expatriates working for Chinese companies that their employers seem to assume that all foreigners are equally talented. Such an attitude harms work dynamics and makes talented individuals, foreigners and locals alike, feel like running away from their companies.

SAYALLUCAN, from China Daily website