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1. The Committee took note of the Government's report which replies only partly to its previous observation. From the data published in the 1996 Statistical Yearbook, the Committee notes that the situation of employment and unemployment is still characterized by profound discrepancies between the urban and rural populations and the different age groups. The average rate of unemployment was 16 per cent in 1995, but reached 22.9 per cent in urban areas as against 8.5 per cent in the countryside. Unemployment particularly affects young people under 25 years old in the urban environment for whom there was an unemployment rate of 37.3 per cent in 1995. The Committee observes, moreover, that with over a third of the active population employed in agriculture, very wide annual variations in the growth rate of the economy and of employment depend largely on climatic conditions.

2. The Government states that its employment strategy relies chiefly on promotion of investment. It refers particularly to the fiscal incentives provided under Basic Act No. 18-95, as well as to the measures laid down in the 1997-98 budget. In addition, it considers that the liberalization measures in external trade, particularly within the partnership agreement with the European Union, should have a positive impact on employment. Referring to its previous requests on this subject, the Committee hopes to find in the next report more precise information on how the main lines of economic policy, particularly budgetary, monetary and trade policies, contribute effectively "as a major goal" to the promotion of full, productive and freely chosen employment. In this respect, the Committee regrets that the Government has not supplied the information requested regarding the employment objectives of the Social and Economic Organization Plan 1993-97. It requests the Government to describe the achievements of this Plan in the field of employment and to indicate the objectives of the new Plan which is being prepared. The Committee would also be grateful if the Government would supply details on the implementation of the medium-term financial strategy adopted in 1995 in consultation with the World Bank, as well as on privatization measures.

3. The Committee notes the indications on efforts made to develop vocational training. It requests the Government to specify the measures taken to ensure better adaptation of education and training policies with employment prospects in a context characterized simultaneously by the persistence of a high unemployment rate for well-qualified people and of a relatively low level of school attendance. The Government may find it useful in this context to refer to the Convention (No. 142) and Recommendation (No. 150) on human resources development, 1975. The Committee also notes the information relating to the number of beneficiaries of incentives for hiring graduates and providing assistance in setting up enterprises. It requests the Government to supply any available assessment regarding the effectiveness of these measures. Noting the progress made in extending the employment services network, the Committee requests the Government to supply statistical data on the nature and volume of its activities.

4. Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee notes with interest the 1995 Annual Report of the National Council for Youth and the Future supplied by the Government. With reference to its previous observations, it would be grateful if the Government would also supply the information already requested on the establishment and respective competence of the Economic and Social Council and the Advisory Council to Pursue Social Dialogue.

5. Part V of the report form. The Committee again requests the Government to indicate the action that has been taken or is envisaged as a result of the ILO assistance or advice received in the area of employment and training, or to indicate the factors which have prevented or delayed such action.