China has created an impressive 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS). This achievement reflects the country's efforts to maintain a stable employment situation, as 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 MOHRSS, during a press conference. Lu highlighted that by the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were employed, showcasing China's commitment to poverty alleviation and job creation.
Furthermore, the reach of China's social security system has expanded significantly. By the end of last year, nearly 1.39 billion people held social security cards, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. Social security cards, which can be physical or digital, play a crucial role in providing services to the population, with many individuals holding both types.
In terms of vocational development, Lu noted that the ministry has strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessments. In 2024 alone, over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates, enhancing the skilled workforce in various industries.
Looking ahead, the ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program in 2025. This program will focus on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, as well as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. It aims to establish a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects, facilitating better job matching and opportunities.
Efforts will also be made to enhance the private pension system's appeal by accelerating research and formulating relevant policies and measures. This move is expected to provide better retirement security for the aging population.
By the end of 2023, 70,000 human resource service agencies were operating across the country, employing 1.06 million people, according to Zhang Wenmiao, an official with the MOHRSS. 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 indicates the significant role of human resource services in supporting employment and industry growth.
Addressing youth employment, the ministry announced plans to introduce a youth job creation program this year, 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 MOHRSS. Throughout 2025, the ministry will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people, striving to create more opportunities for the younger generation.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
