China will relax hukou system to promote freer movement of labour

Beijing

CHINA outlined plans late on Wednesday to promote the freer movement of labour as authorities look to cushion slowing growth in the world's second-biggest economy.

The policy statement issued by the State Council, China's Cabinet, included a pledge to relax the country's household registration system, which has been criticised as discriminatory and a deterrent to urbanisation. Authorities will also make it easier to move between employers and improve incentive systems aimed at encouraging workers to go to less developed regions.