The Vice-President of the Government highlighted on Friday the Region's commitment to strengthen its export capacity in order to tackle the reduction of internal consumption caused by the international and national context.
 
Sérgio Ávila spoke at the signing ceremony of a protocol between the Government, the Institute of Food and Agricultural Markets (IAMA) and the International Food and Drinks Sector Fair (SISAB) to support the participation of Azorean companies in this international fair that will be held in Lisbon between February 25 and 27.

The Azores will participate in this event with 28 companies, which, according to Sérgio Ávila, will "create the conditions for the establishment of international partnerships" and the possibility of "expanding the Region's export capacity" in agricultural and food products with "competitive potential."

With this support, the Regional Government continues its "strategy to boost business competitiveness and reinforce its export capacity."

Sérgio Ávila noted that among the 60 measures that make up the Azorean Agenda for Employment Creation and Business Competitiveness, special emphasis is given to support measures for the export sector.

The first of these measures concerns the creation of the "Azores" brand, which he considered essential to establish a common trait for regional products and undertake "an unprecedented promotional effort, creating synergies and standard references that will benefit all regional productions, directly or indirectly."

The creation of a line of credit to support exporting companies "so that they can minimise export risks and anticipate the revenue corresponding to the sales in order to avoid being dependent on the payment terms of their clients" was another measured mentioned by Sérgio Ávila.

For the Vice-President of the Government, the creation of a Green Way and the Export Support Offices is also important for companies as these offices will centralise the access to all information related to exports in a single information space. Hence, companies will be provided with "specific monitoring and support services throughout the entire export process."

Given the small size of the archipelago and the diversity of regional production, Sérgio Ávila said the Government is aware of the difficulties that Azorean companies face when negotiating with the major distribution channels.

Therefore, the Vice-President considered that "the Society for Business Development of the Azores should create the conditions to group companies under the "Azores" brand and create specific areas in supermarkets and major distribution centres," which will make them "stronger, more competitive and more likely to penetrate into new markets at lower costs."