However, there can be no doubt about the need for investment processes to continue to be guided by sound investment principles and solid risk management policies and good governance and oversight structures. Conferences such as this one, which provide networking opportunities, facilitate knowledge transfer and capacity building therefore play a critical role.
In all other major economies, slight growth was mainly driven by external factors. Capacity adjustments - in particular in hi-tech businesses in major industrialised countries - are still taking place. Therefore, investment prospects look clouded. The ongoing deflation in Japan is due to persistent structural problems in the banking sector. Recent announcements to reform the banking system have shed some light on possible solutions.