Xiongan New Area in Hebei province sent out invitations across the country on Thursday to attract professional and technical leaders for its newly founded construction company, the first such practice since the central leadership unveiled the blueprint of the area in April.

The State-owned company - China Xiongan Construction & Investment Group Co Ltd - was set up on July 18, with a registered capital of 10 billion yuan ($1.5 billion).

Its business involves raising funds to construct houses and apartments, build transport links, energy infrastructure and public facilities, as well as to improve the environment and tourism development of Baiyangdian - a freshwater lake in Xiongan.

The company said it is looking for 23 professional and technical personnel at middle or advanced level to work in such fields as strategic research, planning and design, construction, environmental protection, finance, legal services and public relations.

All of the positions offered are at managerial level. The deadline to apply is Sept 6. Details are at www.ccthr.com/ch/xazp/xiongan.html.

"Applicants who are eager to participate in the area's construction and development are welcome," said a company announcement.

The announcement did not specify salaries for the positions. "I assume it won't be bad, and possibly even be pretty attractive," said an official surnamed Wang at the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei integrated development office of Hebei Development and Reform Commission.

Wang said the jobs also will be challenging because the new area has been given a lot of attention due to its national significance.

China announced the decision to set up Xiongan New Area on April 1 to advance the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

It is another area with national significance after the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone and the Shanghai Pudong New Area, which are testing grounds for the country's reform and opening-up.

Top officials have said that to enhance the area's attractiveness to top-level talent, it should develop with "people" being the core by improving public services, promoting social life and being equipped with superior resources.

Basic public services at Xiongan should be superior to those in Beijing and Tianjin so it can attract top talent, He Lifeng, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, has said.

To help Xiongan draw top international talent, the Hebei Provincial Department of Human Resources and Social Security has rolled out special policies to attract high-level talent and innovative teams.