China to prioritise employment policies, says Premier Li

The Chinese government will prioritise employment policies as the country is still facing pressure in its job market this year, noted Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at a media conference marking the conclusion of the annual National People’s Congress.

Besides promoting current job measures, the government will also open up more flexible job channels, he added, according to Global Times.

“We would certainly be happy to see robust growth, but we are also keenly aware of the large uncertainty around the economic rebound in China as well as global economic growth and development,” Li was quoted telling reporters, according to Bloomberg. 

Li also highlighted that the measures introduced to stabilise the job market last year will not be reduced, but further increased, emphasising that the government aims to improve the livelihoods of its citizens. 

In its 2021 Government Work Report delivered in early March, the government highlighted its plan to create 11 million jobs in 2021, an increase from its target of 9 million last year. 

Li noted that there will be 14 million people entering the urban job market in 2021, which includes over 9 million college graduates. 

READ: China aims to create more new urban jobs in 2021

The Chinese government has also promised to ensure employment for key groups, which include ex-service members, rural migrant workers, and college graduates. The government has said that it would expand the scope of use of vocational skills training funds, and support the creation of new forms of employment.