Since the start of 2019, wheat prices have increased by 15 per cent, beef prices are up by 20 per cent and lamb prices are up by 25 per cent. The prices of canola, sugar and cotton have also increased sharply over the past year.
For example, in connection with the growing need for energy conservation by firms and households, small and medium-sized construction firms have entered the geothermal air-conditioning business. An increasing number of firms have been making such moves. I expect that local firms, by utilizing their characteristics and strengths, will proceed with reforms to nurture new areas with potential for growth, achieving further development.