Adopted in 2001, the Memorandum of Understanding between the ILO and China set out agreed policy priorities for future cooperation within each of the four strategic pillars of the Decent Work agenda, namely: employment promotion, rights at work, social protection and social dialogue.
10 years later, the ILO and the Chinese Ministry of Labour renewed their commitment by initiating a new South-South cooperation in the field of human resources and social security.

Opening session of the 6th joint Committee review - Minister for Human Resources and Social Security Mr Yin Weimin, and Vice Minister Wang Xiaochu; ILO Director-General Juan Somavia, and Ms Sachiko Yamamoto ILO Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific.
. Photo:ILO/official courtesy photo

Minister for Human Resources and Social Security Mr Yin Weimin and the ILO's Director-General Mr Juan Somavia.

The joint committee underlined the progress achieved in China since 2001. Both sides expressed satisfaction with how the cooperation has developed over the years.
Mr Somavia also met with the President of China Enterprise Confederation, Mr Wang Zhongyu, and the chairman of the All China Federation of Trade Unions, Mr Wang Zhaoguo, who called on the ILO to "play a bigger role in global governance amid the international financial crisis".
. Photo:ILO/official courtesy photo

ILO Director-General and Vice President Xi Jinping with delegations.

Chinese officials acknowledged China faces some challenges, especially with regard to youth employment and with equipping rural migrant workers with the skills they need to secure better jobs. "We expect to boost employment for workers, offer basic social security for them and share with them the progress of reform and development", said Vice President Xi Jinping.
. Photo:ILO/official courtesy photo

ILO Director-General Juan Somavia and Vice President Xi Jinping shaking hands.

In a separate meeting, Vice President Xi Jinping praised the significant influence of the ILO in global labour affairs and called for closer cooperation to promote the Decent Work Agenda. Mr Somavia underlined China's progress in economic and social development saying that it was a "source of peace and stability in the world".
. Photo:ILO/official courtesy photo