New jobs needed to meet record level of new job seekers

China must implement fiscal and monetary policies to support employment goals, as prioritizing employment is also a part of macroeconomic policy, Premier Li Keqiang said during a meeting with the press on Friday morning following the closing of the fifth session of the 13th National People's Congress.

"We need to generate at least 11 million, preferably 13 million, new urban jobs each year to achieve this potential economic growth rate some people speak of," Li said.

Though exact economic growth targets were not set for 2020, the target for new urban jobs, which was set at over 9 million, was surpassed with the creation of over 11 million. 

There will be a record high increase in new job seekers this year, some 16 million in all, among them 10.76 million college graduates, also the largest figure in China's history. 

"We also need to provide jobs for about 300 million rural migrant workers," Li said, adding that former servicemen and women and the unemployed are also in need.

New employment platforms should be created, and the government will provide new job seekers training programs and opportunities.

"We need to rely on market-oriented avenues and means to resolve issues related to employment," Li said.

In recent years, China has been promoting initiatives on mass entrepreneurship and innovation while encouraging the growth of new technologies, industries, and business models to create new drivers of growth, he said.

As China is a large developing country, flexible employment will continue to exist, Li said, adding that China has about 200 million people engaged in flexible employment.

The rights and interests of people engaged in these jobs, such as express delivery couriers, should be protected and the government will continue to improve policies to ensure their social protection, Li said.