Toy designers and gold investment analysts may not appear to have much in common, but the two professions found themselves rubbing shoulders yesterday when China's labor watchdog released a list of 10 newly recognized occupations.

Filling out the rest of the list were the positions of credit manager, web editor, real estate designer, employment information analyst, corporate culture designer, home textile designer, micro-hydro technician and intelligent building manager.

"These professions are mostly related to the modern service industries and call for highly skilled people," said Chen Yu, an official with the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

Though some titles may sound unfamiliar to the general public, all of these professions are expected to attract millions of employees in the future thanks to soaring market demand.

The job of web editor is a prime example. With official statistics already showing the country has more than 3 million people engaged in the work, it is estimated that demand for web editors will increase by over 26 percent within the next decade.

The labour ministry is also in discussion over recognition of a further 10 new professions, which include health instructor, sports agent and e-game art designer.

Since last year, the labor watchdog has conducted a regular release of newly recognized professions.

Yesterday also witnessed the inauguration of the China Association of Employment Promotion (CAEP), a non-profit organization that aims to summon academic and public support to help the government address unemployment issues.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Zheng Silin addressed the inauguration and highlighted again the stern unemployment problems confronting China.

He said there is a yearly average of 24 million people looking for job in China's urban areas, and a further 10 to 15 million in rural areas.

Calculated on a yearly economic growth rate of 8 percent, only 10 million of these job hunters can find employment in the year, he said.

While the country's industries can benefit from a surplus of available workers, many of those without work are inexperienced, unskilled or unqualified. This leaves modern companies struggling to find the necessary highly skilled workers.

(China Daily April 1, 2005)