11.   These include worker retraining programs, an unemployment welfare system and support for venture businesses.

12.   Other economic reforms proposed by Koizumi including encouraging venture businesses, privatizing public-sector corporations and dismantling barriers to competition.

13.   Encouraging venture business is still relatively rare in Japan.

14.   It also offers personnel and funding help for venture businesses.

15.   Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi opened Parliament session today by promising to spur economic growth through increased government spending and efforts to encourage venture businesses.

16.   Japan needs to increase its research outlays and nurture venture businesses in order to prevail in international competition.

17.   Japan will introduce new measures to help venture businesses raise funds for technological innovation, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun said on Sunday.