Sérgio Ávila believes the Azorean people will overcome challenges brought by economic difficulties
The Vice-President of the Government said that "we can fight to tackle the effects of the external context in the Region and, consequently, in unemployment." In this context, the government official mentioned "the strengthening of active measures" which include the creation of jobs and support to families as well as the support to companies as entities that contribute to the creation of jobs.
Sérgio Ávila spoke at the end of a round of hearings held with political parties and social partners on the proposed Medium-term Guidelines for 2013-2016 and the Regional Annual Plan for 2013. The Vice-President accompanied the President of the Government, Vasco Cordeiro, at the hearings that took place at Conceição Palace in Ponta Delgada.
The Vice-President stressed the consensus reached on the need to create and maintain jobs, support companies and families and ensure the sustainability of the Regional Health Service as the major priorities that will be embodied in the draft proposals of the two documents to be submitted to social partners on January 23.
Sérgio Ávila stressed the importance of defining the areas and goals to which public resources should be allocated, considering that what unites the Government and social partners "is substantially higher" than what separates them.
"If we join efforts and accept the contributions of all partners, we will be able to fight and create the conditions to tackle the difficult external situation that is affecting companies and families and that is reflected on the issue of employment," stated the government official.
Sérgio Ávila also emphasised the good reception and contributions the Azorean Agenda for Employment Creation and Business Competitiveness provided by most social partners and considered that the Plan will support its implementation.
According to the Vice-President of the Government, the challenge now is to overcome the difficulties created by this adverse situation. In this context, the government official stressed his belief that "this will not be a challenge overcome by the Government, but a victory of the Azorean people."