The possibility of a slowdown in China poses further risks, not only to the growth recovery in the advanced economies, but also to emerging markets in general. Trade and investment linkages with China have increased markedly in recent years, and a slowdown could adversely affect these trends.
I am joined by Deputy Governor Sharon Donnery, Deputy Governor Ed Sibley, Director General Derville Rowland and Chief Operations Officer Gerry Quinn. 2017 was a busy year for us. The Annual Report, Statement of Accounts and our Annual Performance Statement, which will be published later, all reflect this high level of activity.