Core Insights - The Azerbaijan Ministry of Labor and Social Protection announced that the unemployment insurance fund expenditures are expected to reach 270 million manats (160 million USD) in 2026, representing a year-on-year increase of 2.2% [1] - The fund's income is projected to be 240 million manats (140 million USD) in 2026, with a year-on-year growth of 15.5% [1] Expenditure and Income Details - The expenditures from the unemployment insurance fund will be allocated for unemployment benefits, self-employment programs, vocational training, continuing education, career guidance, setting occupational standards, and supporting socially vulnerable groups [1] - Part of the fund will be used to create social enterprises and implement special employment programs [1] Employment Opportunities - In 2026, employment measures are expected to provide opportunities for 15,000 families, with 8,000 families receiving funding from the unemployment insurance fund and the remaining 7,000 families benefiting from World Bank projects [1]

Group 1 - The urban surveyed unemployment rate in China remains around 5.2%, while the expenditure of the unemployment insurance fund is experiencing significant growth, indicating a disparity between the two metrics [1][4][10] - The increase in unemployment insurance expenditure is attributed to policy adjustments made since 2018, which expanded the scope of unemployment insurance to include preventive measures and enhanced support for employment [4][7] - In 2023, the total expenditure on unemployment insurance benefits reached 97.6 billion yuan, accounting for 65.7% of total expenditures, with the remaining funds directed towards employment promotion and livelihood support [4][9] Group 2 - In 2024, the total number of employees in listed companies is expected to grow at a slower pace, with an average monthly salary showing a decline [15][17] - The financial, automotive, construction real estate, and consumer electronics sectors are the largest employers, with state-owned banks employing 6.5% of the total workforce [17][18] - The automotive and export-related sectors are experiencing continuous growth in employee numbers, while retail and real estate sectors are seeing a decline [20][22] Group 3 - To improve the employment environment, it is suggested to enhance the statistical system for employment data, including better monitoring of new employment forms and optimizing statistical methods [28][30] - Breaking down household registration barriers is recommended to allow labor to flow freely according to market demand, optimizing resource allocation and expanding employment opportunities [30][32] - There is a need to improve the unemployment insurance system by increasing coverage and benefit levels to provide basic living support for unemployed individuals, thereby enhancing their re-employment capabilities and stabilizing the employment situation [30][32]