The ILO is the standing secretariat of the International Labor Organization, which, founded in 1919, is a specialized agency for social and labor matters associated with the UN.

Minister Zhang Zuoji and ILO Director General Juan Somavia jointly signed the MOU and met with the press following the signing ceremony.

Zhang said that the MOU marks the start of a new development phase between China and the International Labor Organization and will help China to expand international exchanges and draw on advanced experience while deepening reform in the labor and social security fields.

The minister also expressed the hope that the International Labor Organization would fully prepare itself to face up to challenges brought about by economic globalization in the new century and play a bigger role in employment promotion and poverty eradication.

Somavia spoke highly of China's achievements in job creation and social security, expressing the hope that dialogue and cooperation would be conducted between China and the ILO based on mutual understanding and respect.

Somavia and his senior ILO delegation arrived in Beijing Wednesday and will also travel to Xi'an and Shanghai.

(People's Daily 05/18/2001)