Judging by the turnout at this weekend's "International Talent" job fair in Beijing, China is still a good place for foreigners to weather the global financial crisis.

Organized by the Beijing Talent Service and the Chentong Human Resources Company, the fair attracted some 40 companies, schools and state-owned enterprises interested in hiring foreigners.

The most popular job for ex-pats? Teaching a foreign language, of course.

Armed with a stack of CVs, Li Zegang arrived at the fair bright and early. But he wasn't applying for anything in his own name--he was trying to land employment for a friend from Russia.

Soundbite: Li Zegang, Applicant "I used to call my friend to ask whether they need translator or foreign teacher. The answer is sorry and no and his company is planning to downsize the staff due to the current financial crisis. So finding jobs for foreigners through the job fair is a good opportunity and spares me a lot of trouble."

According organizers, most foreigners want short-term jobs as a way of getting a taste of China. But Chinese companies typically want longer commitments. This job fair was aimed at foreigners who already plan on staying for a while.

Soundbite: Rob Mcleool,Applicant from New Zealand. "I love China. I came to China as a tourist five years ago, and I enjoyed very much the life in the beautiful Beijing, which is a very good place for work and living."

The fair at the Beijing Talents Plaza also featured question-and-answer sessions on employment policy, taxes and residency issues.

(Xinhua News Agency May 21, 2009)