In the question below, a sentence is given which has a blank, meaning something has been omitted. From the options below, choose the correct combination of phrases that can fit in the blank to make the sentence grammatically and meaningfully correct. Amid persistent geopolitical uncertainty and prolonged disruptions in global supply chains, multinational firms increasingly ______ in order to reduce strategic dependence on concentrated manufacturing ecosystems. 1. began diversifying their production networks 2. have begun to diversify their production networks 3. showed diversification across their production networks

The sentence discusses: → firms responding to uncertainty by reducing manufacturing concentration. Now evaluate: 1. began diversifying their production networks → Correct Proper past action showing transition. 2. have begun to diversify their production networks → Correct Present perfect fits well because the sentence discusses an ongoing contemporary trend whose effects continue. Sentence formed: “…multinational firms increasingly have begun to diversify their production networks…”. 3. showed diversification across their production network → Correct Expresses resulting structural adjustment. Thus all 1, 2 and 3 fit. Hence, option (5).