Azoreans entrepreneurs express positive expectations on promotion of exports and increased turnover
The Vice-President of the Government heard the regional companies represented in the Azores stand at SISAB PORTUGAL 2017 - International Trade Fair for Portuguese Food and Beverage regarding the expectations of new businesses and increase of exports.
"This year, with 31 Azorean companies and a visible area, the success and interest of Azorean companies in participating in this event is clearly evident," Sérgio Ávila said, adding that "today is a day when we consolidate what has been the main goal of the strategy for the promotion and development of Azorean products."
In this context, Sérgio Ávila mentioned the creation and implementation of the Azores Brand. "It is with great pride and satisfaction that today we can say we have 1,756 products bearing the Azores Brand seal, which, as we can see in this stand, is the identity of reference of a Region certified by Nature."
The Vice-President also pointed out that, after visiting the stands of 31 regional companies at the event, he was pleased to see a "great satisfaction, a great expectation to continue growing in sales and, fortunately, the need to increase production."
For Sérgio Ávila, there are three reasons that contributed to the growth that has been registered in the production of Azorean products.
"Firstly, the creation and identification of the Azores Brand instilled among regional consumers an attitude towards the appreciation of the products of their region and the defence of its economy," said the government official.
Secondly, "the growth of tourism has also led those visiting us to seek for the Azores Brand and, thirdly, the strategy to promote regional products outside the Azores has yielded results," as those witnessed by companies.
The participation of regional companies at SISAB falls within the "Azores Export 2017" plan. It was implemented by the Vice-Presidency of the Government, through the Society for Business Development of the Azores (SDEA), in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Azores under the strategy developed by the Government of the Azores for the increase of exports of regional products and services.
This plan includes multiple initiatives and several support measures for companies, such as the participation in fairs, promotional activities and business missions. They are intended to promote the external visibility of the Region and, particularly, of companies and products bearing the "Azores Brand" seal, encouraging new business opportunities.