China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced on Tuesday that the country created 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, reflecting a stable employment situation amidst global economic uncertainties.
According to the ministry, China's surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in 2024, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year. \"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the ministry, during a press conference.
Notably, the efforts to alleviate poverty have continued to bear fruit. By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were employed, showcasing China's commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth.
The expansion of social security coverage was another highlight. China's social security card holders reached nearly 1.39 billion by the end of last year, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. Social security cards, available in both physical and digital forms, provide citizens with access to various social services, and many people hold both types.
Lu also highlighted the ministry's initiatives to enhance vocational skills among the workforce. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates in 2024, as the ministry strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessment.
Looking ahead, the ministry announced plans for 2025, including a targeted employment support program for key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. This initiative aims to establish a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects, facilitating better matching between employers and job seekers.
In addition, the ministry will accelerate research and formulation of policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, encouraging more citizens to secure their financial futures.
The year 2023 saw significant activity in the human resources sector. According to ministry official Zhang Wenmiao, 70,000 human resource service agencies were operating across the country, employing 1.06 million people. These agencies provided services to 300 million workers and 55.99 million employers, with approximately 40 percent of these employers in the manufacturing sector.
Youth employment remains a top priority for the ministry. This year, a youth job creation program will be introduced, including measures to boost employment for college graduates. \"Throughout 2025, we will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people,\" said ministry official Chen Yongjia.
These initiatives underscore China's commitment to fostering a robust labor market and supporting economic growth through inclusive employment strategies.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
