y in the early 1990s, followed by several years of post-World\rWar II record profits and very strong loan growth, our banks now have\rprudent capital and reserve positions.\rIn addition, asset quality was quite good by historical standards before the\rdeterioration began.\rBuilding on banking practices, we are in the process of improving both\rlending and supervisory policies that we trust will foster better risk\rmanagement; but these policies could also reduce the pro-cyclical pattern.\rof easing and tightening of bank lending and accordingly increase bank\rshareholder values and economic stability. It is an easy road, Mr.\rChairman, but it seems that we are well along it.