Inter-city Competition

ince early 2017, many Chinese cities have been competing to lure talented college graduates with generous offers and incentives. In early 2018, even Beijing and Shanghai followed in their footsteps and made public a package of policies such as easing the restrictions on getting a hukou, China’s registration system which gives access to vital social services. China is home to over 287 million domestic migrant workers, but few cities nationwide treat the group as key workers. Migrant workers are also reluctant to settle down permanently in cities as they worry that their rural land rights may be lost. Experts argue that local governments should unveil preferential policies for migrant workers, train them with skills and encourage them to stay in cities. This will optimize the labor force structure and maintain the healthy development of cities.