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Service for Foreign Policy Instruments
News article19 December 2019Service for Foreign Policy Instruments

The European Union contributes to universal social protection and international labor standards for Chinese workers

On 18 December, representatives from the European Union, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of China (MoHRSS) and the International Labour Office (ILO) met in Beijing for the official launch of the project “Improving China’s institutional capacity towards universal social protection”.

This three year Partnership Instrument funded project, of a value of up to EUR 2.3 million, will provide technical support to the MoHRSS to promote effective application of international labour standards in China’s pursuit of universal, adequate and sustainable social security coverage. The project will promote exchange of best practices with European countries.

Representatives from the MoHRSS and local Social Insurance Administration Bureau from 11 participating Chinese provinces attended the launch presided by the Director General of the International Department at the MoHRSS, Mr Hao Bin.

Mr Nicolas Chapuis, Ambassador of the European Union to China, reminded: "Above all, social protection should be seen as a form of productive investment into our people. Human capital is a key driver for competitiveness, sustainable growth and economic resilience."

The Vice Minister of MoHRSS, Mr You Jun, said: "China has built the largest social security network in the world. But like other countries it is now confronted with challenges including the impact of ageing in the long term balance of social security funds and the expansion of the digital economy. This project will strengthen international exchanges between EU, China and ILO to resolve some of these challenges."

One aim is to extend social security coverage to workers in non-standard forms of employment, with a focus on digital platform workers and special attention to migrant workers and women. It also intends to improve the adequacy and sustainability of old-age benefits.

Find more information on Partnership Instrument of European Union.

Details

Publication date
19 December 2019
Author
Service for Foreign Policy Instruments