The Dutch government on Friday announced a package of financial, fiscal and social measures to alleviate the negative impact of the financial crisis.

Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende said after a cabinet meeting that the total sum represents 1 percent of the Dutch GDP, or 6 billion euros (some 7.5 billion U.S. dollars), Radio Netherlands reported.

The government will improve the liquidity of companies, grant a temporary reduction of working hours for firms facing problems, and and to speed up infrastructure projects, including the new Delta flood control works, the government said in a statement on its website.

It will also pay the bills charged by companies faster, which would help especially small and medium sized companies.

In addition, the Dutch government wants regional mobility centers to help prevent imminent layoffs, the statement said.

The government said it has sent a letter to the lower house of the Dutch parliament about the economic measures, which will debate them.

(Xinhua News Agency November 22, 2008)