Homebound Migrant Workers Can Help Local Economies

The slumping economy has forced throngs of migrant workers in China out of urban areas and back home without jobs. Some local officials say accepting the extra work force is cumbersome.

But an article in China's People's Daily newspaper said that, instead, the returning migrant workers will be an important group to help revive local economies.

The article recognized the pressure on job markets, but also explained that the exodus will bring back a workforce of more highly skilled, knowledgeable and open-minded people.

Some of them will also bring investment capital back home. The key point is that communities need to optimize these human resources and help keep the workers involved in local development.