The Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations challenged in Praia da Vitória all Azoreans who are part of the Diaspora spread throughout the world to take part in the "Azorean project."
 
"There is a project for the development of the Azores," Rui Bettencourt said, stressing that this project involves economic, financial, social, investment and human components. In this context, the government official stressed that all these matters "require an investment of its own as well as the commitment and participation of each party involved in the project."
 
Speaking at the closing session of the 1st Interim Diaspora Investor Meeting , the government official also stressed the progressive importance of the "awareness of the Diaspora's strength," which arises from the positioning of one million Azoreans spread throughout the world, namely in the United States, Canada, Bermuda and Brazil.
 
"In addition to the investment possibilities that may occur, the knowledge acquired on our tax system and everything we have to offer, this awareness is very important for us," stressed Rui Bettencourt.
 
"For every 100 Azoreans, there are 400 Azoreans living outside the Azores," stated the Secretary for External Relations. He considered that this relation is "quite interesting" and a source of pride, mentioning the interest in everything that is happening during the Diaspora Investor Meeting.
 
In his speech, Rui Bettencourt took the opportunity to thank all those who came to the Azores to participate in the Meeting, highlighting the various contributions, the learning and the shared life histories. On the occasion, he sent a special thanks to all those who, not being born in the Azores, have believed in the Azores and have invested in the Azores."
 
The Interim Diaspora Investor Meeting, held in Praia da Vitória, was promoted by the Government of the Azores, through the Offices of the Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations and the Regional Directorate for Communities. The event was organised in partnership with the Office of the Secretary of State of Portuguese Communities, the Diaspora Investor Support Office, SDEA - Society for Business Development of the Azores and Praia da Vitória City Council.