Analyze the sentiment of this statement extracted from a financial news article. Provide your answer as either negative, positive, or neutral.
Text: `` Several growth initiatives in the chosen geographic areas are already ongoing , '' it continued , noting Lindex opened its first store in the Czech Republic this autumn in Brno .
Answer:
`` Several growth initiatives in the chosen geographic areas are already ongoing , '' it continued , noting Lindex opened its first store in the Czech Republic this autumn in Brno .