Over 11m urban jobs to be created this year

China will ensure the creation of more than 11 million urban jobs this year and administer the employment-first policy as part of macroeconomic policy on the same level as fiscal and monetary policy for the first time, Premier Li Keqiang said on Friday in Beijing.

"Whether it be tax and fee cutting measures under fiscal policy or lowering real interest rates under monetary policy, they are all designed to ensure employment," he said at a news conference after the conclusion of the annual session of China's national legislature.

The decision was made as the country faces unemployment pressure as well as pressure to keep major economic indicators within a proper range, Li said.