TIME -- Apr 29 -- The economic downturn has nearly frozen the job market in China, and the situation for college graduates with no work experience is not looking good. For that reason, an increasing number of female college seniors are turning to matchmakers, seeking marriage as a buffer from temporary unemployment. Government statistics released earlier this year forecast that by the end of February, only 35% of the 6.1 million students who will graduate from college this year would have found a job. Matchmaking agencies across China are enjoying a sudden boom as a growing number college seniors are signing up with for their services. Beijing Marriage Introduction Service, a matchmaking service organized by the official city women's association, has taken note of the sudden increase in college student members. "We have received lots of registration from college girls during the recent months. Many of them are still in school," the company recently told Chinese media. In some cases, it's other students who are peddling the service. Xiaoyuanlove.com, which translates to "love on campus," was founded by a group of recent university graduates in Shanghai who saw the business' huge market potential. Many in China have responded to the trend with indignation. FULL ARTICLE @ TIME
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