The Vice-President of the Government stressed in Angra do Heroísmo the contribution of social inclusion companies in the reduction of youth unemployment registered in the Azores; it dropped 45 percent in the last two years.
 
"There was a reduction of 45 percent in the youth unemployment rate in the Region. This meant that in the past two out of four young people were unemployed, but now one out of four is unemployed," said Sérgio Ávila.
 
However, the Vice-President stressed that it is necessary "to channel all efforts so that this reduction of 45 per cent in youth unemployment in the Region may be further reinforced."
 
Speaking at the opening of the production units of the social inclusion company "As Nossas Quintas," Sérgio Ávila pointed out Cáritas of Terceira Island as "a true example of an effective and active partner." He noted that the Region "registered an unemployment rate of 18 percent just two year ago that dropped to 10.4 percent, the largest reduction at national level."
 
In his speech, the government official ensured that, despite the "satisfaction" with these data and the path already followed, "these results do not reduce the intensity of our support," observation and goal setting.
 
"We even want to further reinforce the intensity of support because these results were only achieved with the combination of the efforts undertaken by all sectors," said the government official.
 
"No one can create jobs by just supporting companies; no one can create jobs by just  supporting training actions and workers; no one can create jobs solely in the social area. We can only create jobs by combining the efforts of all entities," said Sérgio Ávila.
 
In this regard, the government official noted that "As Nossas Quintas" project created four new jobs on Terceira Island; the latter that registered a reduction of 28 percent in the unemployment rate in just two years. It falls within the Regional Government's goals, being "a structural element in the Region's development strategy."
 
The social inclusion company "As Nossas Quintas' will develop practical activities in the areas of organic farming, packaging, marketing while offering the possibility of providing services in agriculture for individuals.
 
Besides the agricultural area, the project also includes an area for fruit processing, namely for preparation of jams and small traditional pastry sweets.
 
"Organic farming is currently one of the key economic growth sectors in the country and the world," said Sérgio Ávila, who highlighted the "enormous potential" of the Azores for this farming system.
 
The government official stressed that is one of the "segments that has managed to conquer more markets, not only in terms of quantity but also in terms of quality." This means that consumers are "willing to spend more in the acquisition of products."
 
"That is why we support a project directed to an area where we can have greater comparative advantage in regional production: the certification of the agri-food sector with our features as a nature-certified sector and its association with organic farming certification," said Sérgio Ávila.
 
The Vice-President of the Government conveyed his belief that this new social inclusion company "has all the conditions to be a successful company."