China facing employment crisis with 34.5m new job-seekers
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-10-16 15:19
The Chinese government is facing a "severe" employment crisis with 34.5
million people expected to come on to the labor market from 2006 to 2010,
according to a senior member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative
Conference (CPPCC).
Chen Mingde, said at a meeting of the Standing
Committee of the CPPCC National Committee, China's top advisory body, that job
creation would be crucial to the government's aim of building a harmonious
socialist society.
He said 25 million new job-seekers would enter the
market this year, of whom 11 million might find jobs in urban areas, leaving 14
million unemployed.
Chen said employment opportunities could expand if
local governments put job creation atop their agenda and vigorously develop the
service sector, and small and medium enterprises.
Governments should
launch special foundations to encourage private businesses, such as favorable
loans, risk funds and investment guarantees for the self-employed.
He
said local governments should encourage university graduates to work in rural
areas in western China with favorable policies such as minimum salaries and
medical care, and subsidies for those who go to undeveloped and remote rural
areas. (For more biz stories, please visit Industry Updates)
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