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 country's stable employment situation despite global economic challenges.
The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in 2024, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points compared to the previous year. \"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the ministry, during a press conference.
Lu also emphasized the progress in poverty alleviation through employment, noting that by the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were gainfully employed. This development underscores China's commitment to improving livelihoods and reducing inequality.
In terms of social security advancements, the number of social security card holders reached nearly 1.39 billion by the end of last year, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. Social security cards, which are available in both physical and digital formats, play a crucial role in providing access to various public services.
Furthermore, over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year, as the ministry strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessments. This initiative aims to enhance the workforce's skills and competitiveness in the global market.
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. A mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects will also be established to connect employers with job seekers effectively.
The ministry is set to accelerate the research and formulation of policies to enhance the private pension system's appeal, aiming to provide better retirement security for citizens.
By the end of 2023, there were 70,000 human resource service agencies operating across the country, employing 1.06 million people, according to Zhang Wenmiao, an official with the ministry. 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.
This year, the ministry plans to introduce a youth job creation program, including measures to boost employment for college graduates. \"Youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority for the ministry,\" said Chen Yongjia, another official with the ministry. Throughout 2025, the ministry will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
