The Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations highlighted in Ponta Delgada the importance of taking advantage of European trade agreements for the "internationalisation of Azorean economy".

"The trade agreement between the European Union and Canada is bringing new prospects for exports and the internationalisation of the Azores, especially in dairy products, but also in other areas," said Rui Bettencourt. He spoke at an information session on the EU Free Trade Agreement with Canada (CETA), which was also attended by the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry.
 
Rui Bettencourt pointed out that, after a series of meetings with Azorean citizens to explain the CETA agreement, it is time to see how things are working and to analyse all the details related to this matter.
 
"This CETA agreement opens perspectives for other areas of the Azorean economy, with focus on agriculture, but other agreements are coming," said the Secretary for External Relations. In this regard, he pointed out the agreement between the European Union and Japan to enter into force in January, which may also be "an opportunity" given its scope.
 
In the case of the EU-Canada agreement, the government official emphasised the specificities of the relation between the Azores and Canada due to the Azorean diaspora that "brings trade opportunities," adding that it has already shown interest in regional cheese and meat.
 
On his part, the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated that CETA is a major challenge for Azorean entrepreneurs to increase exports, especially certified dairy products, and boost their gains, allowing industries to pay better in the future.
 
"It is a fact that the Region's exports grew 9% in the last year. This is a good indicator. Most are dairy products, and, in fact, there is an opportunity with this agreement, through the diaspora market, which is extremely important," João Ponte stressed, adding that it is also important to conquer the rest of the Canadian community.
 
In addition to milk, Azorean wines are a product with great export potential for Canada. João Ponte assured that the Regional Government is available to support, under the stipulated rules, the internationalisation of the regional economy.