Service industry workers such as sports agents, lighting engineers, perfume mixers and coffee makers are among the 14 new professions in China, according to a Ministry of Labor and Social Security report released on April 29 this year.

 

"The emergence of these new professions reflects the demand of the current labor market in China," said Liu Kang, director of the ministry's occupational center. "And the recognition of these new occupations will guide employment education and training."

 

With the country’s economic development, disposable income of Chinese people had increased, Liu said. The demand for diversified and personalized products had also spawned new design and craft professions, he added. ?

 

This is the sixth time that China has added new jobs to the standard list which has brought the number of new professions to 64 since the ministry began reporting on them in 2004.

 

The ministry is currently considering adding entertainment agents, shoe designers and wine tasters to the list.

 

(Xinhua News Agency May 11, 2006)