Our ambition must be to reduce uncertainty with regard to our own response pattern. That actual interest rate developments will deviate somewhat from Norges Bank's forecast must be expected to be the rule rather than the exception. We therefore also attempt to shed light on the uncertainty surrounding these variables. The charts show the interest rate projection in the latest Inflation Report. The uncertainty is illustrated in a fan chart. The wider the fan chart is, the more uncertain the forecast. The uncertainty implies that the interest rate should normally be changed gradually, so that we can assess the effects of interest rate changes and other new information about economic developments. Changes in forecasts are nothing new to financial market participants, who frequently change their expectations concerning future interest rates as the economy is exposed to disturbances. The deviation between market expectations and the actual interest rate has been substantial in periods. There is no reason to believe that Norges Bank will not also have to reassess its interest rate forecasts as new information emerges about economic developments. The current economic situation Allow me to move on from a more general presentation of monetary policy to a closer look at the current economic situation and monetary policy assessments. Since the marked deceleration of consumer price inflation as from 2003, monetary policy in Norway has been oriented towards bringing inflation up towards the target of 2.5 per cent. The low interest rate level has contributed to substantial growth in demand for goods and services.

The measures to enhance access to financing are also reinforced by the provision of financial advisory services and by developing channels for redress by borrowers. The BNM LINK and TELELINK established by Bank Negara Malaysia and the ABM-Connect that has been set up by the Association of Banks in Malaysia serve as important conduits for greater interface between the banks and the borrowers. These measures are also complemented by the institutional framework to deal with problem loans in the retail and business segments. The Small Debt Resolution Scheme (SDRS), which was created in 2003 to facilitate the restructuring and rescheduling of credit facilities for small businesses has now been expanded to include all viable SMEs facing financial difficulties with financing from multiple financial institutions. Importance of Information Credit Bureaus Malaysia has been ranked number one in the world in terms of access to credit by the World Bank in 2008. Despite its favourable assessment, efforts will continue to be intensified to ensure that this access continues, particularly during this more challenging and uncertain time. The establishment of the SME Credit Bureau is one of these measures. The SME Credit Bureau is a vital element in the information credit bureau industry. SMEs are thus encouraged to maintain and compile the required information so as to enhance their potential access to credit. SMEs are expected to benefit greatly from the services of the SME Credit Bureau. Firstly, the SME Credit Bureau empowers SMEs to build their credit reputation from a wide range of transaction behaviors.