China vows to create 9 mln new jobs in 2012

China aims to create more than 9 million new jobs in towns and cities this year, according to a government work report to be delivered by Premier Wen Jiabao at the parliament's annual session Monday.

"Governments at all levels must continue to follow the strategy of giving top priority to employment and more actively implement employment policies," reads the report handed out to journalists before the session starts.

According to the report, China will give high priority to supporting new service industries, innovative high-tech enterprises, and small and micro businesses that employ large numbers of people so as to create more jobs.

In 2011, a total of 12.21 million new urban jobs were created, according to the report.

The report says China will keep this year's registered urban unemployment rate at or below 4.6 percent.