China has achieved a significant milestone by creating 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced on Tuesday. This achievement reflects the country's stable employment situation and its continuous efforts to bolster economic growth.
According to the ministry, the surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in 2024, a slight 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.
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were employed, demonstrating China's commitment to sustaining employment among vulnerable groups, Lu added.
China's 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, available in both physical and digital forms, play a crucial role in providing social services and benefits to the population, with many individuals holding both types.
The ministry has strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessments, with over 12 million individuals obtaining vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year. This initiative aims to enhance the skill set of the workforce, ensuring adaptability in a rapidly evolving job market.
Looking ahead, the ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program in 2025. The program will focus on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots areas, and 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.
Additionally, the ministry will accelerate research and policy formulation to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, providing better retirement benefits and financial security for the aging population.
By the end of 2023, there were 70,000 human resource service agencies operating across the country, 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. This underscores the crucial role of human resource services in connecting employers and job seekers.
Youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority for the ministry. This year, it plans to introduce a youth job creation program, including measures to boost employment for 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 dedication to stabilizing employment, enhancing workforce skills, and supporting key industries, thereby contributing to sustained economic growth and social development.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
