Wen turns spotlight on jobs in field trip

Premier Wen Jiabao has vowed to stabilise jobs for at least the second time in a month, highlighting Beijing's concern that a surge in unemployment amid an economic downturn could fuel social unrest and hurt a smooth leadership transition.

Wen, on a field trip to the Zhejiang province, one of the country's most important hubs of exporters and private businesses, said his mission for the visit is "to boost confidence, and to pay attention to employment", according to the official China Central Television Station last night.

The first public remarks made by Wen since August 2 also indicate the widely speculated Beidaihe meeting of mainland leaders held in the northern coastal resort may have concluded.

"At a time when the economy is facing many difficulties, we should pay high attention to the job issue," which remains a "priority" for Beijing, Wen said.

The government will encourage companies to maintain stable employment while "special support" should be granted to small and medium-sized companies as well as labour-intensive industries, he said, without elaborating.

Senior officials including Finance Minister Xie Xuren and central bank chief Zhou Xiaochuan also appeared on TV at a meeting held by Wen with business and provincial leaders in Zhejiang, reflecting the importance attached to this tour.