Job opportunities flourish in Shenzhen amid population growth

Shenzhen's thriving economy continues to attract a growing population, positioning the city as a key destination for job seekers.

Despite a nationwide decline in population figures, Shenzhen has experienced a notable increase, reflecting its strong economic draw.

By the end of 2023, Shenzhen's population reached 17.79 million, an increase of 128,300 from the previous year, signaling a significant influx of new residents.

As China's youngest first-tier city, Shenzhen retains its appeal for migrants seeking better opportunities. This growth counters the downturn in 2022, when the city experienced its first population dip in history, losing 20,000 residents.

The influx of people in Shenzhen is closely linked to its impressive economic development. The city's GDP reached 3.46 trillion yuan (US$477.48 billion) in 2023, demonstrating robust growth across various sectors, including industrial output, fixed investments, market sales, and foreign trade.

Shenzhen's industrial sector has particularly thrived, with large enterprises recording the highest national rankings in added value and output. Small enterprises also saw a commendable 9.4% growth in added value, creating a favorable job landscape for both new and existing residents.

According to Liu Guohong, deputy dean of the China Development Institute (CDI), the rebound in Shenzhen’s population growth highlights the city's resilience and ongoing appeal for talent.

As job opportunities expand, Shenzhen continues to attract professionals seeking urban amenities and a vibrant job market.

By the end of 2023, Shenzhen offered jobs to nearly 12.56 million individuals, an increase of 196,000 from the previous year. To boost job creation, Shenzhen's government allocated 1.5 billion yuan in employment and entrepreneurial subsidies, benefiting 1.22 million individuals. The city also organized over 300 job fairs — both online and offline — between January and April, offering more than 253,000 job openings in various fields.

The service industry has emerged as a significant contributor to job creation, with initiatives aimed at boosting domestic consumption. In 2023, Shenzhen launched efforts to develop premier international commercial hubs and enhance its consumption landscape, promoting diverse business opportunities and novel consumption models.

Senior CDI consultant Liu Jiandang attributes Shenzhen's population growth to its remarkable economic progress in 2023. In line with this trend, Shenzhen’s human resources and social security bureau has unveiled plans for a five-year strategy focused on the top 10 livelihood projects, aiming to create 185,000 new urban jobs.

This initiative emphasizes the adoption of modern technologies and industrial advancements, with an additional goal of attracting 30,000 high-skilled professionals and 2,000 postdoctoral researchers to enrich the city's talent pool.

As Shenzhen continues to grow, the city not only stands out as an economic powerhouse but also as a vibrant hub of opportunities for both local and international job seekers.