BEIJING - Chinese graduates are being encouraged by the government to work for non-public companies to boost employment and promote the private economy.

The Ministry of Education on Friday promised to break down barriers so graduates can find jobs in private firms. It said it would also improve the welfare of employees working for private companies, according to a ministry statement.

China has been under increasing pressure to create more white-collar jobs with more people attending college.

Many graduates are trying to grab a position in public offices because of better health care and housing welfare, and slim chances of being laid off.

Statistics showed that applicants taking the civil servant exam this year totaled 1.52 million. However, on average 77 applicants competed for one position, and the enrollment ratio was 7,192:1 for the most wanted government post.

The latest move is also aimed to help spur the private economy's development in the country, which has developed mixed ownership while keeping the dominant role of public ownership.

According to a decision issued last month by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the country decided to lift the status of the private economy and allow more non-public capital into the market.

The central authorities acknowledged the market's "decisive" role in allocating resources.

In Friday's statement, the ministry also asked colleges to encourage graduates to work in small- and middle-sized cities rather than big ones like the provincial capitals.

Graduates are also encouraged to go to the less-developed west parts of China or start a business of their own.

The ministry also said it will establish an employment quality report system, under which various colleges and universities must gradually publicize the employment conditions of their graduates.