BEIJING — The number of graduates from Chinese colleges and universities is expected to hit 9.09 million in 2021, an increase of 350,000 over 2020, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said on Dec 1.

Efforts should be made to secure high-quality employment for graduates, according to a video conference held jointly by the MOE and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

The meeting stressed the importance of supporting graduates to find jobs and start businesses in emerging industries and modern services.

State-owned enterprises as well as medium, small, and micro businesses are encouraged to create more positions for graduates, according to the conference.

The meeting also called on graduates to serve in communities and the armed forces.