By Special Correspondent

China created 12.67 million new urban jobs in 2025, while the surveyed urban unemployment rate averaged around 5.2 percent, according to the government work report reviewed at the national legislative session in Beijing.

The report states that stable job creation played an important role in supporting household incomes and maintaining overall economic stability during the year.

Authorities continued to advance policies designed to strengthen employment support, broaden job opportunities and encourage entrepreneurship across the economy.

The report notes that employment remained a priority area of economic policy as China pursued high-quality development and economic restructuring.

According to the report, job creation was supported by steady economic growth and the continued expansion of emerging industries.

The development of new industries, digital technologies and advanced manufacturing helped create new employment opportunities while supporting structural transformation in the economy.

China also continued implementing employment-first policies designed to stabilize the labour market and strengthen support for job seekers.

Measures included programs aimed at improving vocational training, expanding employment services and promoting entrepreneurship.

Authorities also worked to strengthen support for key groups in the labour market, including college graduates and migrant workers.

The report highlights that efforts were made to expand employment channels through the development of new industries and the growth of the service sector.

The services sector continued to play an important role in job creation, providing employment opportunities across a wide range of industries including logistics, information technology, cultural services and tourism.

According to the report, policies were also introduced to support the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, which remain an important source of employment.

Authorities promoted initiatives aimed at improving the business environment and encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship among private enterprises.

The report notes that employment stability was also supported by efforts to boost industrial upgrading and technological innovation.

The continued development of high-tech manufacturing, digital industries and emerging sectors contributed to expanding employment opportunities and supporting labour market resilience.

China also continued implementing programs aimed at strengthening vocational education and improving the skills of the workforce.

These measures were designed to better align labour supply with the evolving needs of the economy and drive the development of new growth drivers.

The government said it will continue implementing employment-first policies while promoting innovation-driven growth and expanding opportunities for workers as part of efforts to sustain stable economic development.

Credit: INP-WealthPk