The President of the Government of the Azores defended that the changes for 2015, especially in the economic area, should be regarded as opportunities for the development and progress of the Region.

"As for various areas, such as Tourism and Agriculture, it is essential that we do not miss the opportunity to regard these changes as opportunities. The possibility to transform them into a source of development and progress mainly depends on our ability as political, economic and social actors," said Vasco Cordeiro.

The President spoke Tuesday during the New Year's Reception to consular representatives as well as to the civil, military and religious authorities of the Azores. The event traditionally takes place at the Sant'Ana Palace in Ponta Delgada on the Epiphany Day.

The reception was attended by the Representative of the National Government to the Azores, Pedro Catarino, the President of the Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, Ana Luís, the former Presidents of the Government, Mota Amaral and Carlos César, and the U.S. Consul in the Azores, Daniel Bazan, among other civil, military and religious authorities.

According to Vasco Cordeiro, it is essential that the changes envisaged for the year that has just started do not be regarded as "difficulties or as a source of fear," but rather as development opportunities that will contribute to the welfare of the Azorean People.

"This is the way how I would like to face the year 2015: each one in its area and sphere of influence should be aware that the construction of success depends on the work, professionalism and the abilities of each one of us," stressed the President of the Government.

In this regard, Vasco Cordeiro wished that, a year from now, we can "say that the qualities of the Azorean people, namely their determination, ambition, persistence and capacity to overcome challenges, stood out in the year 2015."

"If so, I believe that each one of us will have provided an important contribution to the development and progress of our Region," said the President of the Government.