Plans were in place to address “structural issues” in employment and expand strategic industries, National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) officials told a press conference in Beijing.

They also pledged to ease operational difficulties for small and medium-sized enterprises – the backbone of growth and job creation.

“There have been increases and decreases in job availability; some positions may be receding, while others are still in high demand, indicating some structural issues. We are taking measures to resolve these problems,” NDRC chairman Zheng Shanjie said.

“Technological advancements not only drive economic transformation and industrial upgrading but also give rise to many new professions and job opportunities,” Li said.