The government should attach more importance to the implementation of the proactive employment policy and create a more favorable employment environment, said Premier Li Keqiang during the State Council executive meeting on Jan 18.

Employment is vital to people’s livelihood and stabilizes the economy, Premier Li said, adding that the fundamental goal of setting economic growth rates is to ensure jobs. “Employment policies are the government’s top priority,” the Premier said.

“Internationally speaking, the importance of employment also cannot be overestimated,” he said.

Strengthened efforts to boost innovation and entrepreneurship, deepen administrative reform and relieve enterprises from heavy tax burdens also aim to ensure jobs.

Emerging industries such as modern agriculture, advanced manufacturing, delivery service, and healthcare service will play a bigger role in creating jobs. So authorities should consider these industries’ employment potential while carrying out supervision over the development of these sectors, Premier Li added.

In addition, efforts should be enhanced to boost mass entrepreneurship and innovation to provide career development opportunities for young people, hence promoting economic and social development.