QINGDAO - The eastern Chinese coastal city Qingdao plans to hire foreign employees in government departments and public institutions this year, according to the city's human resource and social security bureau Monday.

A guideline published Sunday gave the greenlight to state-owned enterprises and institutions, as well as government departments under the city's administrative regions, to recruit qualified foreigners in permanent or short-term job positions, or hire them as technical directors or consultants.

An official at the bureau said Qingdao is seeking strategic scientists who have the capability to attain major scientific breakthroughs and lead the trend in science, or scientists engaged in research of frontier issues or cross-discipline studies.

Qingdao is also looking for scientists who are capable of making major technological innovations; management talent who can help its enterprises explore international market; and other talent that are badly needed by the city.

The bureau said it would select a list of institutions or departments to pilot the guideline this year and attract foreign professionals through job fairs, international conferences and business exhibitions.