BEIJING — Premier Li Keqiang said on March 15 the country will ensure the creation of more than 11 million new urban jobs this year.

“In actual practice, our goal is to generate the same amount of job opportunities as we did last year, which is over 13 million,” Premier Li told a press conference after the conclusion of the annual session of China’s national legislature.

“This year, for the first time, we are elevating the status of employment-first policy to a macro policy together with the fiscal policy and monetary policy,” Premier Li said.

He noted that the tax and fee cutting measures under the fiscal policy and the lowering of the real interest rates under the monetary policy are all designed to ensure employment.

“Keeping our major economic indicators within a proper range is first and foremost about ensuring employment and preventing a surge in unemployment,” he said, adding that the country will adopt a combination of measures to boost employment.

Premier Li said the country will work to ensure employment of college graduates, whose number will reach a new high of 8.34 million this year. It will prevent zero-employment families and provide more policy support to companies that hire more people.

The country will encourage business startups and innovation to create more job opportunities, he said.

Premier Li also underlined the employment of rural migrant workers, whose population reaches more than 280 million and is still increasing.