Two years ago Pu Huangcheng graduated from Sichuan Agricultural University. His first job was as a sales manager in a supermarket. His monthly income was barely 1,300 yuan (US$175) plus insurance benefits.
Recently he got a new job selling sauces and spices to supermarkets. He will be watching his sales figures very carefully for his income is now performance related.
Twenty-four-year-old Pu said the presence of foreign companies in Chengdu has brought a lot of business opportunities.
"Today I sell condiments mainly to Carrefour and Auchan. Without these large outlets, my sales would be much lower," said Pu adding that Auchan will soon open a second local store.
a carrefour outlet in Chengdu
He lives with his father, mother, and younger brother and says that continued price hikes have made life hard for them.
"Prices are so high now but salaries stay the same. I cannot even afford meat," he said forcing a smile.
Many of his university classmates have found civil service jobs. He plans to follow their example in a couple of years' time.
(China.org.cn, 17thcongress.org.cn by staff reporter Yuan Fang in Chengdu October 11, 2007)
