The Vice-President of the Regional Government revealed today in Angra do Heroísmo that the export of goods in the Azores increased 20.7% and imports decreased 5.1% in the first quarter 2015, compared the same period of the previous years.

"Although we realise that our concept of export and import is not one that can be inferred from national statistics," which does not reflect the fact that the national market is an export market for the Azores, these data "are very positive," said Sérgio Ávila. The government official spoke at the end of a visit to regional product fairs that are taking place at two commercial establishments on the island of Terceira.

"We have managed to double the support awarded the marketing and export of Azorean products over the last two years, which clearly indicates that regional exports grew significantly," said the government official.

Sérgio Ávila also stressed that the Regional Government also created a programme to help restaurants and hotels purchasing regional products in order to further reduce imports.
 The financial support granted to this programme quadrupled from 2013 to 2014.

"The promotion and valuation of Azorean products are an essential element in the economic development strategy for the Azores," the Vice-President said, adding that the Regional Government has been implementing a set of measures to "promote the Azorean products and create conditions for the growth of regional production."

The Government's support to the fairs held in Azorean supermarkets falls under the strategy pursued by the Azorean to value products and encourage consumers to choose regional products," noted the Vice-President of the Government.

Furthermore, Sérgio Ávila also urged Azoreans, as "active agents that can further contribute to employment creation in the Azores," to increase the consumption of Azorean products, adding that "when we consume regional products, we are creating jobs for Azorean citizens."