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The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report for the period 1 June 1998 to 30 May 2000.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Government’s objectives for its employment programme for 2000 include: decreasing inflation; promoting foreign direct investment and investment in infrastructure; diversifying and promoting exports; increasing credit to small and medium enterprises and helping them compete better in the international market; modernize the labour market to improve matching; and providing credit to women, youth and the disabled to establish enterprises. The Government has continued several projects undertaken with World Bank loans, including evaluating employment standards and data collection concerning the workforce, and reorganizing the National Employment Agency and enabling the establishment of private placement agencies. The Committee notes this information, and would appreciate continuing to receive information on the impact of these programmes on employment promotion.

2. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the increase in compulsory schooling from five to eight years has not increased labour demand. The Committee also notes, however, that from 1993-99 the Government provided about 3,500 courses with about 67,000 participants, 83 per cent of which were subsequently placed in employment. A project to improve the match between skills provided and demanded also provided training for 81,000 people over the course of five years, and 900 courses were provided for entrepreneurs, with about 15,000 participants. Furthermore, the Government established standards for training in 250 occupations. The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive information on measures taken to expand the availability of training to all jobseekers in need, and to improve the balance in the labour market between skills offered and demanded.

3. The Committee notes with interest that a draft law to reorganize the National Employment Agency has been submitted to the National General Assembly, and would appreciate further information on the outcome of this project.

4. Article 2. The Committee notes that the Government implemented in October 1999 a new methodology for collecting labour market data. It hopes that the new system will enable the Government to better analyse the impact of its employment policies and programmes. The Committee looks forward to receiving detailed disaggregated data, including data on employment of women, young people, people with disabilities and older workers. Please also provide further information on how the employment policy and programmes are kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy.