Selling products through livestreaming is now officially a job in China.
China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security published a new report on Monday, recognizing ten new professions, many of which are related to new technologies. Newly recognized jobs include internet marketing specialists, blockchain engineers, blockchain application operators, and online learning service specialists.
Livestreaming salesperson is one of jobs included under internet marketing specialists, according to the ministry’s announcement.
Livestreaming e-commerce has seen rapid growth this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Shoppers confined to their homes turned to livestreams to experience products in an interactive and social way. The popularity of the format drew in a wide range of people, including a flamboyant tech founder and celebrities looking to cash in on the trend.
As the new list shows, blockchain is another valued technology in the country. Despite the country’s ban on initial coin offerings in 2017 and the government’s aversion to cryptocurrencies, Chinese President Xi Jinping has pushed for blockchain development in other areas. This has led to some unexpected applications of the technology, like tracking loyalty pledges to the Communist Party.
Other newly recognized professions include 3D printing operators and nucleic acid examiners. The latter is in response to China’s growing demand for examiners as the country prepares to prevent the coronavirus from rebounding, according to the Global Times.
Read this: Why China’s tech chieftains have become livestreaming stars
China’s online censors are also getting recognition now. The official job title of “internet information checker” was added as a new type of job under “network and information security managers,” which was first recognized in 2015.
The Ministry of Human Resources says recognizing new professions helps the government better regulate the job market and provide guidance on policies to promote industry development. It also boosts education and training, according to the ministry.
After a four-year gap in recognizing new jobs, the ministry released a new report in April last year. E-sports players, drone pilots, and AI engineers were among 13 new jobs added to China’s nearly 19,000 officially recognized professions. In February this year, it released another list of new professions that recognized virtual reality engineers and on-demand delivery personnel like food-delivery drivers.
This article was originally published by Abacus News.