The government yesterday pledged to support labor-intensive enterprises and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to protect jobs amid the global financial meltdown.

"The current global financial crisis has affected China's employment situation, particularly export-oriented businesses," Yin Chengji, spokesman for the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, told a news conference.

"The government will help create jobs by encouraging development of labor-intensive industries, small- and mid-sized businesses, private companies and the service sector."