China has achieved a significant milestone by creating 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The announcement was made on Tuesday, highlighting the nation's steady economic growth and robust labor market.
In 2024, the surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent, 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.
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million individuals who had been lifted from poverty were gainfully employed, demonstrating China's ongoing commitment to poverty alleviation and social development. The number of social security card holders reached nearly 1.39 billion, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. Social security cards, available in both physical and digital formats, play a crucial role in providing essential services to residents across the country.
The ministry has also strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessments. Over 12 million people obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year, enhancing the skilled workforce and supporting various industries.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program focusing on 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, thereby facilitating better employment opportunities.
Efforts will also be accelerated to research and formulate policies that enhance the appeal of the private pension system, ensuring greater financial security for the aging population.
By the end of 2023, a total of 70,000 human resource service agencies were operating nationwide, employing 1.06 million people. 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, according to ministry official Zhang Wenmiao.
The ministry highlighted that youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority. 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 Chen Yongjia, an official with the ministry.
These comprehensive efforts underscore China's dedication to fostering a stable and inclusive labor market, supporting economic growth, and enhancing the well-being of its citizens.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
