The Vice-President of the Government considered that the data concerning the Government's support to the export of regional products was "very positive." In this context, the government official highlighted the "important goal of increasingly replacing imports for exports.
Under the Support System for the Export of Azorean Products, implemented with the aim of expanding exports and promote the internationalisation of regional companies, the Government of the Azores has already allocated 1.4 million Euros to support companies exporting Azorean products in the first seven months of 2013.
"These data represent a significant increase in Azorean exports insofar as the support allocated in the first seven months of 2013 has reached the double of the amount granted in 2011. If the same growth rate is maintained, the financial support is expected to triple compared to last year," said Sérgio Ávila.
"These are very positive indicators. We welcome them with great satisfaction as they evidence a very significant increase in Azorean exports, which is the result of the work we have been carrying out to promote regional exports," stressed the Vice-President of the Regional Government.
The reinforcement of support was welcomed by the business sector in the area of exports, corresponding to a substantial increase in the financial support awarded in recent years. In fact, the funds allocated increased from 776 thousand Euros in 2011 to 889 thousand Euros in 2012 and to 1.4 million Euros until July 2013.
It should be also noted the growing number of companies applying for this support scheme, of which 36 applied in 2011 and a total of 44 companies have submitted their applications since the beginning of this year.
For Sérgio Ávila, "it is fundamental to create more added to regional production and promote the export of products that prove to be strategic for the development of the Azores."
"Export more and better products generates a multiplier effect on wealth creation in the Region, thus replacing imports with clear advantages and stimulating emerging sectors in the areas of production, processing and diversification," stressed the Vice-President.
The support to the export of Azorean products is allocated in the form of a non-repayable subsidy that covers eligible expenses, with application rates at 90% for operators based on the islands of Santa Maria, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, Faial, Flores and Corvo and at 75% for operators headquartered on the islands of São Miguel and Terceira.
Italy, Spain and France are the main trade partners of the beneficiaries under this aid scheme; the operations for these countries absorb nearly 50% of the overall financial support.
On the other hand, the support granted to operations for the national territory, including Mainland Portugal and Madeira, already have a considerable weight, representing 25% of the support granted.
It should be noted the importance of the support to interregional trade, an area that already reaches nearly 8% of the overall funds. This support measure represents an increasing effort to reduce imports, which is one of the goals of this programme.
Despite having a reduced impact, it is also important to mention the maintenance and, in some cases, the reinforcement of some markets, such as the United States, Canada and Cape Verde.