A total of 12.44 million new jobs were created in China's urban areas last year thanks in part to the efforts of governments at all levels and various funding, said Liu Jieyi, spokesman of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference on Sunday.

Liu said regarding the difficulties in finding employment and recruiting workers, that governments at all levels in China and various funds provided direct support for employment and entrepreneurship exceeding 300 billion yuan ($41.7 billion). He added that targeted measures supported the employment of college graduates and young people, as well as the employment of people facing difficulties in urban and rural areas.

Liu mentioned that the CPPCC has actively conducted work to stabilize and promote employment. CPPCC members and participating units have conducted in-depth investigations and research on promoting high-quality and full employment, analyzed employment trends, countermeasures and suggestions from various perspectives. From this, 91 proposals have been submitted.

He stated that in response to the difficulties faced by college graduates and companies in recruiting workers, members have proposed targeted suggestions, such as establishing a linkage mechanism between university and industry, and resolving structural contradictions in the employment of college students.

"These proposals have been absorbed and adopted by relevant departments, playing a role in promoting the implementation and effectiveness of related policies and measures," he said.

Liu indicated that in 2024, the CPPCC will continue to carry out work focusing on stabilizing and expanding employment, such as organizing research to improve the support system for the employment of college graduates.