China: Facing challenges in 2013

In 2013, China wants to create a minimum of 9 million new urban jobs and keep unemployment below 4.6 per cent. This might sound promising at first glance, but in 2012, China's urban population searching for employment exceeded 25 million people, far more than the 12 million new jobs created.

Nevertheless, the employment situation has been better than expected in 2012 with more jobs created than anticipated and amid the backdrop of a slowing global economic recovery.

In 2013 China plans to focus on:

• Creating employment opportunities for college graduates (6.8 million in 2012). Employment prospects aren’t positive for “post-80s and 90s” university graduates and current students according to a report by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Improved policies and the introduction of public recruitment services on campuses are on the agenda.
  
  
• The support of small and micro enterprises
  
  
• Strengthening social responsibility among large enterprises

Despite many potential workers China still faces the issue of a skill gap creating a shortage of skilled workers in many areas. The manufacturing sector is in need of about 4 million senior technicians for example.

(02.2013) Sources: USA China Daily, SCMP