"Azores Export 2017" plan supports and promotes export potential of regional companies
The "Azores Export 2017" plan falls within the strategy to increase the export of regional goods and services developed by the Government of the Azores. It includes several initiatives and support to companies, namely the participation in fairs, promotional activities and organisation of business missions. They are intended to enhance the external visibility of the Region and, particularly, of companies and products bearing the "Azores Brand" seal, promoting new business opportunities.
This plan is 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 initiative, the Region will participate with a stand at SISAB PORTUGAL 2017 - International Trade Fair for Portuguese Food and Beverage, which runs in Lisbon from March 6 to 8.
This event is expected to be attended by more than 1,600 international buyers from 110 countries that will negotiate with 500 exhibitors and purchase exclusively Portuguese brands and products. A total of 31 regional companies from various sectors, including dairy products, meat, canned fish, tea, jams and liqueurs, among others, will be represented at SISAB.
The "Azores Export 2017" also provides for the Region's participation in Alimentária, another important national event that, given its functioning model and size, allows regional companies to establish direct contact with importers from around the world.
At international level, this plan provides for the participation of Azorean companies in fairs such as Salón de Gourmets in Madrid, TottoFood in Milan, Portugal Expo in Luxembourg and SIAL in Toronto.
Still in international market, it also includes the implementation of advertising campaigns and promotional activities in strategic points of sale in the United States.
Furthermore, the "Azores Export 2017" also includes more actions developed through the Azores Buyers Exchange programme, promoting the visit of potential importers, national and international, to the archipelago.
This programme has allowed the implementation of new business projects, through direct contact with entrepreneurs and regional companies.
In order to increase the visibility and marketing of regional products with final consumers, especially those bearing the Azores Brand seal, the "Azores Export 2017" plan also provides for promotional activities in the archipelago.
These actions, which involve the participation of companies from nine islands, fall within the policies to implement proximity strategies to develop new business opportunities in the regional market in terms of agri-food production, namely through the growth of the tourism sector.
Promoting the export of the main regional economic sectors, with special emphasis on the agri-food sector, supporting the internationalisation process of Azorean companies, encouraging cooperation between companies, reducing imports and enhancing regional products are some of the goals guiding the "Azores Export 2017" plan.