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With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes with interest the Government's report for the period ending May 1996. In order to be in a better position to determine the effect given to the provisions of the Convention, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide, in its next report, detailed replies to each of the questions on the report form, particularly as concerns the following points.

1. The Committee notes that research into the characteristics and evolution of the workforce was undertaken by the competent branch of the National Planning Office. It hopes that this work will be completed and that the Government will soon be able to communicate statistical data concerning the situation and trends of the labour force, employment, unemployment and underemployment. The Government is requested to continue to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged for the collection and analysis of data necessary to the formulation and adaptation of an employment policy.

2. The Committee notes that the overall coordination of economic and social policy implementation lies with the Ministry of National Planning. It requests the Government to indicate whether, within this institutional framework, there has been the formulation of an active employment policy "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy", in conformity with Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Please transmit the texts which define this policy.

3. The Committee notes that in order to combat underemployment in rural areas and urban drift, measures for the development of agricultural, forestry and mining activities are being implemented in order to create employment in the rural sector. It notes that the creation of employment opportunities in the urban areas is assured by the maintenance of a favourable investment climate. The Committee hopes to find more detailed information, in the next report, on the nature and scope of the measures mentioned by the Government, as well as on the results expected in terms of employment creation. Please continue to provide as detailed information as possible on the activities of the National Employment Service.

4. The Committee has also been informed that the work of an ILO mission in May 1997 has resulted, in consultation with the Government and trade unions and employers' organizations, in the elaboration of a programme aimed at minimizing the social costs of structural adjustment. Noting that the promotion of employment is one of the essential components of this programme, the Committee considers that such advisory activities and technical cooperation are likely to facilitate a better application of the Convention. The Committee invites the Government to remain in contact with the ILO in order to obtain the necessary support for the formulation and application of its employment policy. The Committee requests the Government to indicate, in its next report, the action taken as a result of the technical cooperation or advice received from the ILO (Part V of the report form).