Premier Zhu Rongji said in Beijing on March 15 that China will, before long, be able to set up a relatively sound social security network.

     He made the remark this afternoon at a press conference held shortly after the conclusion of the 3rd Session of the Ninth National People's Congress.

     A law in this regard will be enacted by the end of the year, and necessary funds are being pooled from society at large, he said.

     China has established a social security system for a long time, but it was far from being complete, he noted. Large numbers of workers are laid off during China's economic restructuring, and many laid-offs have to stay at re-employment centers set up by their original enterprises, living on aid and assistance from the state, employers, and society at large.

     This is not a sound social security network, however, Zhu said. "That's why China needs to build up an independent social security system with all walks of life contributing to it."