It is going to be a hard year. The world economy, however, has potential to keep growing through market expansion in emerging economies and technological innovation.
The future of the global economy heavily depends on the recovery of the U.S. business. The new U.S. government is anticipated to implement large-scale business stimulus measures to boost domestic demand and to create jobs .The successful conclusion of the Doha Round is also important to prevent the rise of protectionism and further develop world trade and investment.
The Japanese government is expected to carry out economic measures and a strong growth strategy without delay. The Bank of Japan is required to directly buy CPs and corporate bonds to vitalize corporate finance.
Private companies are determined to make every possible effort to create jobs by various measures such as introduction of high value-added products and services, fruit of technological innovation into the market. The public and private sectors are working together to produce new jobs in the field including nursing care, childcare as well as agriculture. In the process, the existing official program giving job seekers opportunities of job training should be fully used.
Keidanren will continue to encourage the members to comply with related regulations and do all they can do for employment security. The Japanese government should reinforce the safety-net for jobless people. The bill for increasing unemployment allowance should be passed in this Diet. The schedule of the fixed public works project need to be advanced.
Temporary Staffing Services Law has been formed and revised through discussions of representatives of the public sector, trade union and corporate management in the government's council on labor policy. Structural change of the Japanese economy and demands for legitimate measures enabling choice of various work style have been reflected in the process.