China has achieved significant progress in employment by creating 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on Tuesday. The nation's efforts have resulted in a stable employment situation, bolstering economic growth and social development.
In 2024, China's surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year, demonstrating a positive trend in the job market. \"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, during a press conference.
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were employed, showcasing China's commitment to improving livelihoods and reducing inequality. The expansion of employment opportunities has been pivotal in sustaining the country's economic momentum.
Furthermore, China's social security system has expanded, with nearly 1.39 billion social security card holders by the end of last year, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. Social security cards are divided into physical and digital types, and many individuals hold both. This widespread adoption reflects advancements in digital services and the government's efforts to enhance social welfare coverage.
The ministry has also strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessment, with over 12 million individuals obtaining vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year. These initiatives aim to improve the workforce's skills and adaptability in a rapidly changing economic landscape.
Looking ahead, the ministry announced plans for 2025, including a targeted employment support program focusing on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. The program will establish a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects, facilitating better alignment between job seekers and employers.
Efforts to enhance the private pension system are also underway. The ministry will accelerate research and formulate relevant policies and measures to increase the system's appeal, aiming to provide better retirement security for the population.
By the end of 2023, there were 70,000 human resource service agencies operating across the country, employing 1.06 million people. According to Zhang Wenmiao, an official with the ministry, these agencies provided services to 300 million workers and 55.99 million employers throughout 2023, with approximately 40 percent of these employers in the manufacturing sector.
The ministry emphasized that youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority. \"This year, we will introduce a youth job creation program, including measures to boost employment for college graduates,\" said Chen Yongjia, an official with the ministry. Throughout 2025, the ministry will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people, supporting their integration into the workforce.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
