China's first overseas talent offshore innovation and entrepreneurship base opened on Aug 12, in the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ), in Shanghai's Pudong New Area, the Pudong Times has reported, which notes that its purpose is to develop an international start-up site over the next three to five years.

The focus will be on offshore start-ups so it is expected to provide talented overseas personnel with favorable policies and professional services to attract more and to find innovative ways to ensure its success. To better nurture the start-ups, overseas personnel can start their programs abroad.

The base will take advantage of the district's science and technology resources and the different industrial clusters of Shanghai's FTZ, such as Zhangjiang and Lujiazui. It has signed construction agreements with overseas organizations, such as the Federation of Chinese Professional Associations in Europe and the Ausinan Science and Technology Society of Australia. Local officials say it will seek strategic cooperation with more foreign institutions to further develop.

Its online services, including the official website and APP, are still under construction to let it function as a channel for information services, communications and online operations.