The second session of the 14th Fujian Provincial People's Congress opens in Fuzhou on Jan 23. [Photo/WeChat ID: fujianxinwenban]

During the second session of the 14th Fujian Provincial People's Congress on Jan 23 in Fuzhou, capital of Fujian province, a wide range of issues, including employment, education, childbirth, consumption, tourism, healthcare, and income, were addressed in this year's provincial government work report.

A total of 500,000 new jobs were created in Fujian's urban areas, and more than 100,000 unemployed people found work.

Raising the minimum wage standard in a timely manner and optimizing the tertiary distribution was also mentioned as important work..

Efforts to strengthen higher education in the province were highlighted, including the addition of 40,000 public compulsory education school placements. The "dual reduction" policy (to ease the burden of excessive homework and off-campus tutoring for students undergoing compulsory education) was deepened as well, with a focus on enhancing mental health education for students. Vocational education was also prioritized.

In addition, the construction of 13 provincial regional medical centers was accelerated, with a focus on encouraging medical staff to work at the grassroots level. The report also emphasized the preservation and innovative development of traditional Chinese medicine.

Fujian also plans to improve maternity support policies, accelerate the establishment of a universal childcare service system, promote the development of a maternity-friendly society and child-friendly cities  and communities, thoroughly implement medium and long term youth development plans, and promote high-quality population development.

Additionally, Fujian is working to develop its sports industry and boost fitness for all.

The report also advocated for the vigorous development of digital consumption, green consumption, and healthy consumption, as well as the expansion of live streaming e-commerce and social e-commerce. Cultural tourism consumption was highlighted, with an emphasis on accelerating the creation of characteristic cultural tourism IP and establishing Fujian as a world-renowned tourist destination.