The Government of the Azores is committed to "level up regional handicrafts" by creating the mechanisms deemed necessary for the "enhancement of its economic importance to each one of our communities," defended the Regional Secretary for the Economy on Pico island this morning.

Vasco Cordeiro spoke during the signing of a cooperation protocol between the Government of the Azores and the Desafios da Montanha Cooperative for the organisation of various training initiatives, and the defended that "one cannot regard handicrafts as a mere preservation of a traditional type of work." In fact, "it is necessary to boost the potential of this activity in the economic development of the Region," added the government official.

According to the Regional Secretary for the Economy, the Regional Government has developed various mechanisms of collaboration with crafts cooperatives in order "to provide regional institutions with the possibility of using this potential." "We consider this relation as a partnership, but despite the importance of the financial support awarded by the Government, we also need the commitment of institutions in this sector. And so far it has existed," stressed the government official.

For Vasco Cordeiro, "there are several ways of increasing their economic value, including a close connection to other economic sectors such as the case of Tourism." That is, he explained, "the wealth generated by the tourists who visit us cannot be limited to accommodation or restaurants. We must create opportunities to boost revenue" in other areas," defended the Regional Secretary.

The Protocol signed today aims to establish a Secretariat for the Economy and the Desafios da Montanha Cooperative in order to organise training workshops that promote the dissemination of craft techniques, particularly in lace and tiles, including training courses and equipment acquisition.