China has achieved significant progress in its employment sector by creating 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The ministry announced on Tuesday that the nation's employment situation remains generally stable, highlighting the resilience of the Chinese mainland's economy amid global uncertainties.
\"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, at a press conference. In 2024, China's surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year.
Efforts to lift people out of poverty have also seen remarkable results. By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were employed, showcasing China's commitment to improving livelihoods and reducing income disparities.
The expansion of social security coverage has been another milestone. 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, are pivotal in providing citizens with access to social welfare services. Many individuals hold both types of cards, enhancing the convenience and efficiency of social services.
In addition to employment growth, the ministry has strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessment. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year, reflecting the country's focus on enhancing workforce quality and adaptability in a rapidly changing economic landscape.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry plans to implement a targeted employment support program for 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, facilitating better job matching and opportunities for job seekers.
Moreover, the ministry will accelerate research and formulation of policies to further enhance the appeal of the private pension system, aiming to secure the financial future of its aging population.
Human resource service agencies have played a significant role in supporting employment. By the end of 2023, approximately 70,000 human resource service agencies were operating across the country, employing 1.06 million people. According to Zhang Wenmiao, an official with the ministry, these agencies provided services to 300 million workers and 55.99 million employers throughout 2023, with around 40 percent of the employers in the manufacturing sector.
Youth employment remains a top priority for the ministry. This year, it 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,\" said Chen Yongjia, an official with the ministry. \"Throughout 2025, the ministry will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people, fostering innovation and economic vitality.\"
China's concerted efforts in job creation, vocational training, and social security expansion reflect its commitment to sustaining economic growth and enhancing the well-being of its population. As the country navigates the challenges of a dynamic global economy, these initiatives are set to bolster employment and provide a stable foundation for future development.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
