HOWA BANK

Although the recent domestic economy is emerging from a temporary slump as the impact of the new coronavirus infection has weakened, corporate performance, particularly in the restaurant and accommodation industries, has yet to recover to pre-coronavirus levels. not here. On the other hand, the soaring prices of resources, electricity, raw materials, food, etc. due to global shortages of goods, rising interest rates overseas, and the weak yen are having an impact not only on businesses but also on consumers. Although the government has implemented large-scale economic measures, it must be said that the domestic economy remains in a difficult situation.

Regarding the Oita Prefecture economy, which is our main business base, although the impact of the new coronavirus infection on the restaurant and accommodation industries is fading, soaring prices are gradually damaging corporate performance and individual lives. If prices continue to rise further, there are concerns that the prefecture's economy will further decline in the future.

Under these circumstances, the Bank has started a new management reinforcement plan (April 2022 - March 2025) from April 2022. In this plan, we will work to solve customers' various management issues (= provide customer value) centered on the three pillars of management improvement support: "V support operations," "management improvement support fund," and "cash flow stabilization fund." By doing so, we aim to establish a business model of ``creating shared value'' that will lead to improved sustainability for our bank, and we will grow together with our customers and contribute to the realization of sustainable local communities.