Returned overseas Chinese scholars and students are encouraged to take an active part in the country's economic and social progress, a senior official said in Beijing Wednesday.

Governments at all levels should provide a favorable environment to attract more overseas scholars and students to return home and serve the motherland, said Wang Zhaoguo, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Wang made the remarks at the opening ceremony of week-long event calling for the scholars and students to start their businesses in the country.

More than 300 overseas scholars and students and about 200 such returned people will attend the event. They will also visit some areas to discuss cooperation projects with local business people.

Source: Xinhua