Six overseas talents were granted permanent residency permits on Monday in the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu, according to local authorities.

The figure brought the total number of permanent residency permits issued to overseas talents in the city to 181 since Chengdu first introduced regulations on residence permits for foreigners in 2004.

As a growing hub in western China, Chengdu wants to attract overseas talent to help it compete with larger cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, by offering more generous work benefits and a better working environment.

Last June, Chengdu offered preferential policies for residence permits to lure more foreign talent, including streamlined approval procedures and more favorable application conditions. About 90 foreign high-end professionals have been granted permanent residency permits since last June.

The permits provide foreigners with more convenience in the city such as social insurance and reduced work restrictions.