China has achieved a significant milestone in its employment sector, adding 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 efforts to maintain a stable employment environment amidst global economic uncertainties.
The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent for the year, 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. This stability reflects China's ongoing commitment to fortifying its labor market and supporting economic growth.
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million individuals who had been lifted from poverty secured employment, marking a significant stride in the nation's poverty alleviation efforts. The inclusive growth demonstrates the effectiveness of policies aimed at providing opportunities for all citizens.
Additionally, China's social security system has expanded, with nearly 1.39 billion social security card holders, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users, as reported by the ministry. Social security cards, which are available in both physical and digital formats, play a crucial role in accessing various government services.
In an effort to enhance workforce skills, over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year. \"The ministry has strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessment,\" Lu added, emphasizing the government's focus on improving the quality of the workforce.
Looking ahead, the ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program in 2025. The program aims to bolster key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. It includes establishing a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects, thus bridging the gap between job seekers and employers.
Efforts will also be made to enhance the appeal of the private pension system. The ministry is set to accelerate research and formulate relevant policies and measures to support this initiative, providing more security for the aging population.
By the end of 2023, the country saw 70,000 human resource service agencies in operation, 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, according to Zhang Wenmiao, an official with the ministry.
Youth employment remains a top priority. The ministry plans to 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 Chen Yongjia, an official with the ministry. These efforts aim to harness the potential of the younger generation and fuel future economic growth.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
