Select the option that is the direct form of the sentence.

Experts said that several steps were being taken to promote foreign trade as it constituted 45% of the country’s economy.

Experts are saying, “Several steps were taken to promote foreign trade as it constituted 45% of the country’s economy”.

Experts said, “Several steps should be taken to promote foreign trade as they constitute 45% of the country’s economy”.

Experts said, “Several steps are being taken to promote foreign trade as it constitutes 45% of the country’s economy”.

Experts said, “Several steps had been taken for promoting foreign trade as it constitute 45% of the country’s economy”.