The Chinese government will invite foreign experts to assist development in 1,000 villages during the 11th Five-Year Plan period (2006-2010), the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs has announced.

The villages need assistance in agriculture, animal husbandry, market research, safe standards, logistics and training.

The government will also engage foreign experts in key construction projects, the revitalization of old industrial bases, research and development of key technologies, education, and improving public administration, according to an article on the administration's website.

It says foreign experts will be invited to give lectures or classes on public administration and public services and assist in building "harmonious communities" in ten cities.

Statistics from the administration show China engaged professionals from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and abroad on more than two million occasions during the 10th Five-Year Plan period (2001-2005).

Source: Xinhua