China has made significant strides in boosting employment, adding 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. This achievement surpasses the government's annual target and reflects the country's ongoing efforts to stabilize its labor market.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the ministry, highlighted the positive trends. \"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" Lu said. The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in 2024, marking a 0.1 percentage point decrease from the previous year.
One notable milestone is the employment of over 33.05 million people who had been lifted out of poverty by the end of 2024. This reflects China's commitment to ensuring that those who have recently improved their living standards continue to find sustainable employment opportunities.
The reach of social security in China has also expanded significantly. Nearly 1.39 billion people held social security cards by the end of last year, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. \"Social security cards are divided into physical and digital forms, and many people hold both types,\" Lu explained.
In addition, 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 in various industries.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program. This initiative aims to bolster key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. A mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects will also be established.
Efforts to enhance the private pension system are underway, with accelerated research and formulation of relevant policies and measures to increase its appeal.
By the end of 2023, human resource service agencies across the country reached 70,000, employing 1.06 million people, according to ministry official Zhang Wenmiao. \"Throughout 2023, these agencies provided services to 300 million workers and 55.99 million employers, with approximately 40 percent of these employers in the manufacturing sector,\" Zhang noted.
Youth employment remains a top priority. The ministry announced that it would introduce a youth job creation program this year, 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 reflect China's ongoing commitment to fostering a robust and inclusive labor market, ensuring stable employment, and supporting the nation's economic growth.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
