(CIANEWS) - In spring 2023, the value of the ČSOB Index of Business Expectations increased to 3.7 points, up 19.4 points from to autumn 2022. It returned to the positive field for the first time since autumn 2021. The Executive Director of Corporate Banking at ČSOB, Pavel Prokop, said that after years associated with the closure of operations or the energy crisis, companies have the desire to do business and develop again. Half of the respondents expect an increase in demand in 2Q23, i.e. by 12 percentage points more. An increase in investments in 2023 is expected by 44 % of companies and entrepreneurs, which is the most since autumn 2019. The Slovak Business Expectations Index grew by 14 points to 4.4 points.