
BEIJING, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Friday the country will ensure the creation of more than 11 million new urban jobs this year.
"In actual practice, our goal is to generate the same amount of job opportunities as we did last year, which is over 13 million," Li told a press conference after the conclusion of the annual session of China's national legislature.
"This year, for the first time, we are elevating the status of employment-first policy to a macro policy together with the fiscal policy and monetary policy," Li said.
He noted that the tax and fee cutting measures under the fiscal policy and the lowering of the real interest rates under the monetary policy are all designed to ensure employment.
"Keeping our major economic indicators within a proper range is first and foremost about ensuring employment and preventing a surge in unemployment," he said, adding that the country will adopt a combination of measures to boost employment.
Li said the country will work to ensure employment of college graduates, whose number will reach a new high of 8.34 million this year. It will prevent zero-employment families and provide more policy support to companies that hire more people.
The country will encourage business start-ups and innovation to create more job opportunities, he said.
Li also underlined the employment of rural migrant workers, whose population reaches more than 280 million and is still increasing.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses