BEIJING, May 1 (UPI) -- The China Employment Forum, along with the International Labor Organization, has decided to exert more effort to promote full employment.
"China will give more priority to employment in policy making," said Zheng Silin, China's labor minister at the closing of a three-day forum Friday.
The government said it would adjust its strategy to realize coordinated development of economy and employment, reported Xinhua, China's main government-run news agency.
"We must make good use of the advantages of rich labor force and give a stronger drive to labor-intensive industry as well as small and medium-sized enterprises," said Zheng.
Some at the forum said China's pursuit of economic growth has caused imbalanced development and contributed to high unemployment.
Zheng also urged more protection for disadvantaged groups, including women and disabled and elderly people who suffer disproportionately from unemployment.
