The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Environment stated in Ponta Delgada the existence of positions of common interest and "trade relations" that can be strengthened between the Azores and Madeira, with special emphasis on the products that are widely produced on both archipelagos.

According to Luís Neto Viveiros, the meeting addressed "some details regarding to the trade relations that can be strengthened between the two archipelagos." The government official spoke after the meeting with the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Fisheries of the Regional Government of Madeira, Humberto Vasconcelos.

Under the cooperation between both regions, which should be further encouraged," the Regional Secretary for Agriculture defended the existence of "synergies that should be strengthened."

The Regional Secretary also added that they also shared "some concerns," especially those regarding the Community programmes directed to the agricultural sector: POSEI and the Rural Development Programme.

"We discussed these subjects and we defend that the [European] Commission and the Ministry of Agriculture should join efforts in order to reinforce the support for the development of agriculture in each region," said Neto Viveiros.

The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Fisheries of the Regional Government of Madeira travelled to the Azores to participate in the 1st National Congress of Young Farmers that will be held tomorrow. The initiative has the support of the Regional Government.