I would like to say in addition how much I appreciate the efforts of all members of our staff, who are faithfully fulfilling the duties entrusted to them in their positions despite these difficult conditions caused by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. Our economy has recently been showing a faster-than-expected recovery from the slump caused by the COVID-19 shock.
Recovery in face-to-face service industries is still slow and employment conditions for vulnerable groups are still difficult. However, exports are growing strongly and facilities investment is exhibiting a trend of robust recovery. Consumption is also gradually emerging from its slump.