[DEBATE] : China facing employment crisis with 34.5 mln new job-seekers in next five years

[Riaz K Tayob]

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	UPDATED: 15:07, October 16, 2006
China facing employment crisis with 34.5 mln new job-seekers in next 
five years
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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.

Source: Xinhua