The Regional Government for Support to the Investment and Competitiveness publically acknowledged the effort undertaken by Azorean businesspeople in the economic development of the Azores, being “true agents of change in the context of regional economy.”

The idea was conveyed by Arnaldo Machado when he presided over, on behalf of the President of the Government, to the opening ceremony of the 7th edition of EXPOMAR and the Regional Handicrafts Fair that took place the city of Horta on Sunday afternoon.

According to that government official, the regional business sector, despite the adverse international context, “continues to take the initiative to invest, generating wealth and employment” in the Azores.

Arnaldo Machado also stressed that our companies are facing challenges that “demand from us all, the Government and businesspeople, responses leading to an adaptation to this new reality.”

Hence, the Regional Director for Support to the Investment and Competitiveness defended the need to intensely promote innovation, technological development, organisation issues and the creation of a new business culture. 

With regard to EXPOMAR, which is being held at the Horta Marina during the celebrations of the Sea Week, Arnaldo Machado said that this fair “is already a reference in the context of the events organised at a regional level.”

“This type of events is always a good opportunity for companies to disseminate their products and services, develop business cooperation actions and obtain additional information on the new technologies and equipments launched on the market,” added the Regional Director.
 
In addition, “exhibitions are an important means of dissemination of the economic potentialities and a privileged space for conducting business.”

Arnaldo Machado also defended that the organisation of this type of events on various islands may “significantly contribute to boosting local economies, stimulating the revitalisation of the business sector.”

These two fairs, which are being held at the Horta Marina until next Sunday, are jointly organised by the Horta Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Regional Centre for Handicrafts of the Regional Secretariat for the Economy.