Private initiative "has strongly invested" in the Azores, says Regional Director for Support to the Invesmtment and Competitiveness
The Regional Director for Support to the Invesmtment and Competitiveness stated in Ponta Delgada that entrepreneurs and private companies have been strongly investing in the Region, seizing the conditions and support measures provided by the Azorean Government and showing confidence in the growth of regional economy.
Ricardo Medeiros spoke in the context of the initiative "Investing in the Azores, an awareness-raising action promoted by the Vice-Presidency of the Government and CRESAÇOR. On the occasion, the government official highlighted that 150 projects were submitted under the Competir+ incentive scheme in the last six months, representing an estimated investment of 115 million Euros.
"It represents the largest private investment in the Azores in such a short time," said the government official.
The Regional Director also highlighted the effect of this investment on the increase of exports, which grew 8.8 percent in 2017.
According to Ricardo Medeiros, the plan for the external promotion of regional companies and products, namely foodstuffs, has actively contributed to this increase in sales abroad and in the domestic market. The initiative is developed annually by the Regional Government in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Azores.
The Regional Director also stated that the purpose of these dissemination initiatives is to "know some of the most relevant support systems" created with the aim of "fostering investment and entrepreneurship." Furthermore, they intend to "support the economic activity of each of island, promote the export" of Azorean products and the internationalisation of companies.
The Incentive System for Business Competitiveness, Competir+, the Support Scheme for Bank Microcredit, and the Support Programme for the Revitalisation of Shops in Urban Centres as well as programmes directed to the unemployed and the hiring of workers were the topics discussed in this awareness-raising action.
On its part, the Regional Director for Employment and Vocational Training revealed that the results of the Government's active employment policies are very positive.
According to Paula Andrade, the fact 3,800 people have already benefited from the hiring support programme - "Integra" since 2014 is an indicator revealing the importance of this investment in people. Nearly 60% of employers have kept these workers after the conclusion of the support programme.
Paula Andrade also highlighted the creation of new hiring support programmes by the Regional Government. Given the increase in private investment and the subsequent increase in employment and the progressive decrease in unemployment, they favour labour stability.