The demand for mid-level professional technicians is 31 percent more than actual supply, while the rates for junior and senior technicians are seven and five percent respectively, according to the second quarter report by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS).

As a result of economic disparities in industrial structure and development levels, different regions are seeking different qualifications. The western regions are more eager for junior workers, while central and east China need senior experts.

"The large market demand for technicians indicates that the manufacturing sector has tremendous potential to develop," said Wang Dongyan, director of the MLSS information center.

However, overall labor demand is less than three quarters of the total labor force, with only a slight rise of one percent over the first quarter or five percent over the same period a year ago, the survey shows.

(Xinhua News Agency July 26, 2002)