China has achieved a significant milestone in its employment sector by creating 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The country's surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent, a 0.1 percentage point decrease from the previous year, indicating a generally stable employment situation.
\"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" stated Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, during a press conference on Tuesday.
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted out of poverty were employed, showcasing China's commitment to improving livelihoods and reducing poverty through job creation.
Social Security Expansion
China's social security network also saw substantial growth, 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, with many individuals holding both.
Vocational Training and Skill Development
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, enhancing the skilled workforce essential for economic growth.
Future Employment Initiatives
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program focusing on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, as well as 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.
The ministry will also accelerate research and formulate relevant policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, encouraging more participation and financial security for retirees.
Human Resource Services Expansion
By the end of 2023, approximately 70,000 human resource service agencies were operating across the country, employing 1.06 million people. \"Throughout 2023, these agencies provided services to 300 million workers and 55.99 million employers, with about 40 percent of these employers in the manufacturing sector,\" said Zhang Wenmiao, an official with the ministry.
Focus on Youth Employment
Youth employment remains a top priority. The ministry will introduce a youth job creation program this year, including measures to boost employment for college graduates. \"We will organize a series of activities throughout 2025 to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people,\" stated Chen Yongjia, another official with the ministry.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
