NEW YORK - As part of a movement to attract overseas Chinese professionals to fill jobs in various cities across China, a delegation of high-level officials from Jinan in East China's Shandong province interviewed over 50 candidates in New York last week for 150 positions they aim to fill in stages over the next five years as part of the city's "5-150" jobs campaign.

"Jinan is in the process of a massive structural adjustment and rapid growth," said Vice-mayor Yin Luqian. "We're looking for professionals to help with the transition and we're specifically looking for overseas Chinese."

The officials, who just wrapped up interviews in Silicon Valley, California, will also be meeting with candidates in Toronto, Canada, organizers said.