China has marked a significant milestone in its employment sector by creating 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, as announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on Tuesday. This achievement underscores the country's efforts to maintain 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 slight decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year. \"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" stated Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the ministry, during a press conference.
One notable highlight is the employment of over 33.05 million people who have been lifted from poverty by the end of 2024. This figure reflects China's continuous commitment to poverty alleviation and economic inclusion.
The reach of social security has also expanded, with nearly 1.39 billion social security card holders nationwide, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. Social security cards are issued in both physical and digital formats, and many individuals hold both types, enhancing accessibility to social services.
In a bid to enhance workforce skills, the ministry has strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessments. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year, equipping them with recognized credentials in the job market.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry has outlined plans to implement a targeted employment support program. This initiative will focus on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots areas, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. A mechanism will be established for collecting and releasing job position information related to major projects, facilitating better job matching and opportunities.
The ministry also announced efforts to accelerate research and formulate relevant policies to further enhance the appeal of the private pension system, aiming to provide more robust support for retirees.
By the end of 2023, the human resource service industry saw significant growth, with 70,000 agencies operating across the country and employing 1.06 million people. These agencies provided services to 300 million workers and 55.99 million employers, approximately 40 percent of which were in the manufacturing sector, as reported by Zhang Wenmiao, an official with the ministry.
Youth employment remains a top priority. The ministry plans to introduce a youth job creation program in 2025, including measures to boost employment for college graduates. \"We will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people,\" said Chen Yongjia, an official with the ministry.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
