An online platform to help ex-servicemen and women find jobs has been created as China prepares to cut 300,000 troops from the 2.3-million-strong People's Liberation Army.

The platform was set up in a joint effort by 81kx.com, which is devoted to helping veterans with training and employment needs, and 58.com, an online marketplace and job-hunting platform. It is also sponsored by the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

The goal is to build a human resources database and hold job fairs for demobilized soldiers, according to a statement released by the two companies on Monday.

The platform is designed to help the veterans start their own businesses, the statement said. The companies said they will also conduct research and develop new online services.

Man Guojin, chairman of 81kx.com, said at a launch ceremony on Sunday that the platform will initiate a new model in the employment of veterans as it will provide an Internet connection between veterans and jobs.

Liu Yang, general manager of ChinaHR.com, a subsidiary of 58.com, said the platform will host a number of job fairs to help the veterans.

China reformed its policy on the resettlement of ex-servicemen and women in 2011. The government no longer arranges jobs except for a few - those who have served for at least 12 years, for example. However, it has promised more support for retraining to help them adjust to civilian life.

Xinhua contributed to this story.

(China Daily 04/12/2016 page4)