October 22, China’s urban unemployment rate fell to 4.1% at the end of September, compared with the 4.2% recorded at the end of the second quarter (Q2) this year, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MHRSS) said Friday.

A total of 9.05 million urban residents were registered as unemployed by the end of Q3, said Yin Chengji, spokesman of the ministry.

In the first three quarters, China created 9.31 million of new jobs in urban areas, higher than the annual target of 9 million for 2010.

The nation’s registered unemployment rate was 4.3% in 2009 and China aims to keep the rate below 4.6% this year.