Policy Digest

Vocational skills training to get a boost

China is expected to cultivate around 50,000 high-skilled workers and craftsmen during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25) to help promote its rural vitalization strategy by boosting vocational skills training in key rural areas, according to a document published on Saturday.

The document, jointly issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the National Administration for Rural Revitalization, said efforts will be made to ensure that every laborer from households that are prone to returning to poverty will have access to vocational skills training if they need it.

High school graduates from these households that are not admitted to higher education institutions but are willing to go to technical schools will be given access to education for skilled workers, it said.

To realize these goals, authorities will roll out a series of measures, including establishing more technical schools and vocational training institutions, beefing up financial support for the establishment of about 100 workshops that cultivate craftsmen for rural vitalization, and holding national vocational skills competitions themed on rural vitalization every two years.

Ministry makes it easier for orphans to get aid

Application and confirmation procedures for orphans and de facto unsupported children in China have been streamlined, with digital provincial borders being lifted as of June 30, according to a notice issued by the Ministry of Civil Affairs on June 24.

The move was aimed to provide basic living expenses and allowances for these children in a timely manner and effectively guarantee their legitimate rights and interests, the ministry said.

Under the new policy, an application could be accepted by local governments across the country, while authorities located in places where the children's household registrations were made, are responsible for verification.

A mechanism for data comparison and sharing will also be established to support verification efforts, the notice said.

Currently, monthly subsistence allowance of 1,140 yuan ($176) is provided per child.

De facto unsupported children are those with parents who are unable to care for them due to reasons such as severe disability, serious illness, serving a sentence in prison and compulsory isolation for drug rehabilitation.

New measures aim to bolster manufacturing

Chinese authorities have rolled out a series of measures to bolster the high-quality development of the country's manufacturing enterprises, according to a guideline jointly issued by six governmental departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, on Friday.

According to the guideline, by the year of 2025, China will aim to have cultivated 10,000 "little giant" enterprises enjoying high growth potential, advanced technology and a strong competitive edge.

Efforts will also be made to cultivate 1,000 manufacturing champions that focus on specific manufacturing segments with world-class technology, as well as a number of leading companies in the sector.

The development of these enterprises is necessary for stimulating the vitality of market entities and preventing hidden risks in industrial and supply chains, it said.

Noting that the high-quality manufacturing enterprises should improve their capabilities of independent innovation, the guideline also said these companies are encouraged to participate in the construction of national innovative platforms, including the manufacturing innovation center.