China to increase jobs after lowering growth target

BEIJING - The Chinese government will make every effort to cope with the rising employment pressure after the country has decided to lower its annual economic growth target to seven percent for the next five years, Premier Wen Jiabao said Monday.

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"I think this poses a great test to the government, but we have the determination that we will ease the pressure successfully," Wen told a press conference after the conclusion of the annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature.

He said the government must pay close attention to economic restructuring, and give priority to developing small- and medium-sized enterprises, in particular small hi-tech enterprises, and developing the service sector, including producer services.

"All these will help us spur more jobs," he said.