The President of the Government said the partnership between public and private entities is a "major driving force of regional development," highlighting the example of "readiness and committed adherence" of Azorean companies to various measures implemented, such as the Azores Brand.
 
"It is gratifying to see in this process the readiness and commitment of entrepreneurs and producers who, with hard and demanding efforts, have seized the potential of these measures," said Vasco Cordeiro. The President of the Government spoke at the delivery ceremony of the Azores Brand diploma to the 1000th certified product, PDO São Jorge Cheese 12 months.
 
The adherence of companies to the certification process of products bearing this seal as well as to other measures, including the various components of incentive systems, is also a "sign of hope and confidence," said Vasco Cordeiro. The President of the Government emphasised the path followed in the past four years, from the time when the Government launched the Azorean Agenda for Employment Creation and Business Competitiveness.
 
On the second day of the statutory visit to São Jorge, the President of the Government stressed that the positive path that Uniqueijo followed in these "challenging and demanding times" is also a good example of what the prospects of future can be for the cooperative sector.
 
"You can always rely on the Regional Government to help achieving the goal to bring, through the cooperative sector, more development and more progress to São Jorge. However, it will not assume the responsibilities of other partners involved," assured Vasco Cordeiro.
 
In his speech, the President of the Government also stressed that the adherence to the Azores Brand is a new standard that requires work, effort and attention on the part of all participating entities so that it may remain as a benchmark of quality and competitiveness for Azorean companies.
 
"On the Government's part, there is an effort that will continue in order to highlight the meaning of the Azores Brand both inside and outside the Region," said Vasco Cordeiro. In this regard, he announced that the Government created the Azores Export 2016, a measure specifically designed to strengthen the visibility and promotion of exports. It includes actions such as the participation of companies in promotional events in the Region, Mainland Portugal, Europe, United States and Canada.
 
"We expect to launch later this year an extensive promotional campaign that highlights the value of the Azores Brand, which will also boost the value of this brand at national level in terms of what it means to each of the products and services bearing its seal," stressed the President of the Government.
 
According to Vasco Cordeiro, one these initiatives resulting from agreement signed with the Government of Madeira involves the strengthening of the Region's presence in this market, providing Madeira entrepreneurs with an in-depth knowledge on the added value of Azorean products and promoting products directly to consumers.