Industrial jobs needed for Xinjiang to promote long-term stability

By Gao Bo Source:Global Times Published: 2014-6-19 18:28:01

Illustration: Liu Rui/GT



The development and stability of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region is relevant to that of the entire country. Increasing employment within Xinjiang is a vital part of governing in the region.

First, more industries should be brought into Xinjiang. The second central work conference on the development and stability of Xinjiang in May pointed out that with the adjustment of industrial structure and eastern enterprises moving west, companies, especially labor-intensive ones, should be instructed to invest in Xinjiang. Handicraft manufacturing with local characteristics should be encouraged, so that extra labor in Xinjiang can be utilized.

Recently, Xinjiang's human resources authorities introduced relevant policies stating that 70 percent of the newly added employment must be locally hired, and at least 25 percent should be minorities. Such policies should be truly implemented, and more minority groups should be hired.

Meanwhile, companies, especially large State-owned enterprises in Xinjiang, should take the responsibility for employing more minorities and training them in work skills instead of simply chasing for profits.

At the national level, the central government can offer favorable conditions, such as waiving taxes and granting allowances.

The Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, known as the Bingtuan, a quasi-military, governmental organization, can also play an important role in this. Its unique role in Xinjiang's stability has been stressed by the two central work conferences in the past.

In the initial stage of the Bingtuan's development, it brought in some nomadic minority tribes. It can adopt similar approaches in the future.

Based on the respect of the will of minority people, they can be employed by the Bingtuan. The government can also make preferential policies to let ordinary people enjoy better salaries and pension.

By doing so, more people will be attracted to work for the Bingtuan.

Xinjiang covers a vast area of land, but much of it is not suitable for habitation. Therefore, urbanization should be set on the agenda of Xinjiang's development, which will help enlarge employment and vice versa.

If more companies come to Xinjiang and form an industrial zone that create job opportunities, and if more minority people are willing to join the Bingtuan, urbanization will be on the right track.

The service sector will be improved as a result, and urbanization and employment will promote each other. A harmonious community comprised of different ethnic groups will be formed.

Growing employment in Xinjiang needs policies at the national level as well as public support. More employment will not eliminate the various problems in Xinjiang very soon, but it helps squeeze the space available for the three evils - terrorism, separatism and extremism.    

The author is a professor at the College of Humanities of Xinjiang University. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn



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