The President of the Government said the positive regional indicators at the level of unemployment and tourism encourage the Regional Government to reinforce the work that has been done in many areas.

"These figures on unemployment and tourism, as well as a range of other indicators, are not regarded by the Government as a sign that everything has been done, but rather as an incentive to work even harder, because there are Azorean families and companies that are still waiting for these results," said Vasco Cordeiro.

Speaking at the opening of the new Bus Station in Vila Franca do Campo, an investment promoted by the local Town Council, Vasco Cordeiro said the Region has been following a path with "many challenges for Azorean families companies."

"A year ago, we had an unemployment rate at 18 percent. Today, the unemployment rate is at 14 percent. It is still a very high rate. Nevertheless, it proves that we have been following the right path and that measures we have adopted are showing results," Vasco Cordeiro said, ensuring that the Government is committed to follow this path, regardless of the challenges that may arise.

The Government is "aware of the task that lies ahead," said Vasco Cordeiro. According to him, the confidence in a set of indicators that demonstrate the partnership between public and private entities "allows us to hope for even better results for the benefit of our Region and our people."

As for the transport sector, the President of the Government considered that we now have results to show in air transport, particularly with the recent amendments to the air transport accessibility model in which the Regional Government worked with commitment and determination.

"If these efforts in the air transport sector are already producing results, there are other areas, such as maritime transport, where we want to carry out these improvements in partnership with the entities involved in this sector. However, the Government cannot evade its responsibilities and obligations to implement the changes and the improvements that are deemed necessary and useful for the Azorean people," said the President of the Government.

Vasco Cordeiro also added that the actions of the Government are based on the document that establishes the guidelines for this sector: the Integrated Transport Plan. It was developed with the clear the clear purpose of improving the lives of Azorean citizens and visitors in a wide range of areas but, above all, in the various components of air, maritime and land transport.

 "One of the goals we are working on requires the integration of these different transport models so that, for example, those who need to use several means of transport can purchase a ticket at a single sales office, with all the convenience.

According to Vasco Cordeiro, the Government is working on the implementation of an intermodal transport system, which will shortly deliver results for the benefit of those who need to use these means of transport.