With some reflection, a grave trial for Japan’s economy, including progress in aging and the earthquake disaster, has also brought a substantial change in firms’ and households’ behavior. And that is becoming new buds for new demand. Let me explain that later in detail. As for the outlook, the Bank assumes that the firm domestic demand will support the moderate recovery of Japan’s economy.
I sincerely request and encourage the partner BFIs to put their utmost efforts to meet the business targets proposed by them in their Challenge Fund Agreements and fully utilize this opportunity to achieve the intended results and hence contribute towards the well-being of the poor people.