Xi Jinping Emphasizes High-Quality Employment as Pillar for China’s Future
In a recent address to the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, underscored the critical importance of promoting high-quality and sufficient employment across the nation.
Presiding over a group study session on Monday, Xi highlighted that employment remains the cornerstone of people’s well-being and is intimately connected to China’s economic and social development, as well as its long-term peace and stability. He urged all levels of government to make employment a top priority, emphasizing the need for policies that enhance both the quality and quantity of jobs.
“We must apply a people-centered development philosophy,” Xi stated. “By implementing specific pro-employment policies, we can improve the livelihoods of our citizens and propel our nation’s growth.”
Mo Rong, head of the Chinese Academy of Labor and Social Security, contributed to the session with a lecture on achieving high-quality and sufficient employment. His insights sparked discussions among the attendees, focusing on strategies to address current workforce challenges.
Targeting Structural Unemployment
Xi acknowledged the supply-demand imbalance in the labor market that leads to structural unemployment. He called for a thorough analysis of workforce development trends and for adjustments in higher education and resource distribution to align with market needs. The emphasis on vocational education and lifelong training is seen as vital to equipping workers with the skills required in evolving industries.
“We need to find the root causes of labor shortages in certain sectors,” Xi said. “Understanding these issues will enable us to better meet the demands of the employment market.”
Focusing on Key Demographics
With over 11.7 million college graduates expected this year, Xi stressed the importance of enhancing employment support policies for young people. He also highlighted the need to promote employment among migrant workers, women, ex-service personnel, and those who have been lifted out of poverty.
“Multiple measures should be taken to assist groups that find it difficult to secure employment,” he urged. “By doing so, we can ensure social stability and continued economic progress.”
Driving Employment Through Development
Xi proposed the development of new industries and businesses that have strong job-creation capacities. By nurturing new business forms and models, China can create more high-quality jobs tailored to local conditions. He advocated for an employment-friendly development model, recommending that major policies and projects be assessed for their impact on job creation.
Since the CPC’s 18th National Congress in 2012, China has made significant strides in employment, creating an average of 13 million urban jobs annually. This year, the goal is to generate over 12 million new urban jobs and maintain the surveyed urban unemployment rate at around 5.5 percent.
Xi concluded by calling for a deepening of reforms in employment systems and mechanisms, and for the protection of workers’ rights and interests. “Employment is not just about economic statistics,” he emphasized. “It’s about the fulfillment, happiness, and security of our people.”
Reference(s):
Xi Jinping stresses promoting high-quality, sufficient employment
cgtn.com
