The number of Japanese enterprises operating overseas and foreign enterprises operating in Japan is increasing year by year, and the multi-nationalization of enterprises is expected to make rapid progress in the years to come.In these multinational enterprises, there are often labor problems involving employment, industrial relations, and so on, which are very different from those that occur in Japanese enterprises.
      The following measures are taken to solve these problems and prevent friction following the internationalization of business activities

A.	Measures to deal with labor problems in Japanese enterprises operating abroad

The Liaison Council on Labor Problems in Multinational Enterprises, with representatives from government, labor and management, has been set up to exchange information and opinions.
      In addition, the Ministry of Labour, through the Japan Institute of Labour: i) collects and reports on overseas labor conditions by international Labor Information Project Participants; ii) sends study missions abroad; and iii) conducts various research and studies. Information thus collected is edited and published in the monthly journal called International Labour Information.
      Moreover, to help improve conditions of work and life for the increasing number of Japanese sent overseas, manuals on labor problems have been compiled for Japanese serving overseas and various seminars are held for Japanese enterprises operating in other countries.

B.	Measures to deal with labor problems in foreign-affiliated companies

For the purpose of identifying labor problems occurring in foreign-affiliated enterprises in Japan, and exchanging views with their representatives, the Ministry of Labour holds a Conference on Labor Issues in Foreign-affiliated Companies to which top leaders from the foreign Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Japan are invited.
      In addition, publicity and education activities are carried out to help improve industrial relations in these enterprises, by helping foreign employers and managers gain a correct understanding of Japanese labor issues.