The nation's five major business and labor organizations expressed appreciation Friday for the government's package to boost the job market and improve industrial competitiveness, according to government officials.

Representatives of the Japan Federation of Economic Organizations (Keidanren), Japan Federation of Employers' Associations (Nikkeiren), Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai), Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Japan Trade Union Confederation (Rengo) expressed their gratitude during a meeting with Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi.

The meeting was also attended by International Trade and Industry Minister Kaoru Yosano and Labor Minister Akira Amari.

During the meeting, they all agreed on the need for the government and private sector to join forces so as to swiftly implement the scheme.

However, Etsuya Washio, the president of Rengo, expressed concern that promotion of corporate reorganization as advocated by the scheme may threaten employment, and insisted harmonious labor relations be maintained.

To attach greater importance to employment, Washio urged the government to fully back up small and medium-size companies and venture businesses.

Speaking at a news conference earlier in the day, Yosano said he will discuss with the financial authority the need for budgetary measures to nurture new industries for the sake of employment, and that his ministry will also work to further support cash- strapped small businesses.