The Chinese government Monday announced a global talent search to fill top posts at 12 major state-owned companies in its latest effort to turn huge government enterprises into global competitors.

Jobs advertised include general managers of the State Nuclear Power Technology Corp, the State Construction Engineering Corp and Dongfeng Motor Corp, the Chinese partner of Japan's Nissan Motor Co.

State-owned companies have hired managers from abroad but yesterday's announcement was the most high-profile recruitment effort to date. Some said Chinese citizens were preferred, indicating companies want Chinese-born executives working abroad or at foreign companies in China.

(Shanghai Daily August 31, 2010)