China to help graduate job-seekers

BEIJING -- The Ministry of Education has introduced a package of preferential policies to help college students graduating in 2019 find jobs or start up businesses.

The package includes 19 measures designed to offer better support to the graduates or the companies employing them, according to a circular published by the ministry earlier this week.

A total of 8.34 million college students are expected to graduate in 2019.

The ministry is trying to give more incentives to those willing to work in grassroots units or remote rural areas, such as partial exemptions of student-loan payments.

It pledged to work with other authorities in offering training allowances and tax concessions to micro, small or medium-sized companies hiring new graduates.

The circular also promised support for graduates applying for internships or employment in international organizations.

For those willing to start a business, the ministry proposed reforms on startup education at colleges, more guidance and services including financial support.