The President of the Government announced today the launch of a new programme to financially support restaurants, hotels and similar services in the purchase of regional products.

"This initiative is included in the Azorean Agenda for Employment creation and Business Competitiveness. The programme consists in the allocation of financial support for the purchase of regional products," stated Vasco Cordeiro.

The President of the Government spoke after a visit to the company Easy Fruits & Salads, a project that was recently developed by young Azorean graduates who have invested in the production and marketing of vegetables.

Vasco Cordeiro revealed that the new programme provides the allocation of financial support in the form of a non-repayable subsidy corresponding to 10 percent of the amount for the purchase of regional products. This programme also establishes a premium for the purchase of certified products, thus increasing the reimbursement rate to 14 percent.

"We are talking about a financial support measure that may reach five thousand Euros per establishment and fifteen thousand Euros per company. The initiative covers all companies in the hotel and restaurant sectors and similar areas," explained the President of the Regional Government.

With this programme, the Regional Government intends to stimulate regional production by reducing imports and, simultaneously, supporting the sectors that were most affected by the current economic situation, such as the case of the restaurant and hotel sectors.

With regard to the company he visited today, Vasco Cordeiro said it is a "good example" that demonstrates the entrepreneurial skills of youngsters in the Region as this project was developed by young graduates from the University of the Azores.

Moreover, Easy Fruits & Salads is an "example" of a project that ensures the replacement of imports and promotes the commercial use of the "Azores" brand. This project also evidences of the good use of Community funds allocated under the ProRural programme.

"It is important to emphasise these relevant aspects in the situation we are currently living. The entrepreneurial skills, the good use of funds and the capacity to stand out and promote the quality of regional products have contributed to its growth in the market," concluded Vasco Cordeiro.