José Manuel Bolieiro moves forward with revision of Strategic Partnership Agreement with more partners - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today a meeting of the Standing Commission on Social Dialogue of the Economic and Social Council of the Azores (CESA) on the island of São Miguel. 

The main item on the agenda was the revision of the Strategic Partnership Agreement - "Income, Sustainability and Growth," signed on September 6, 2023, with the Region's main social partners. It is aimed at the economic and social development of the Azores.

During the meeting, José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the importance of this agreement, noting that it is a dynamic document subject to continuous monitoring.

"This is an agreement with and for the Azoreans," he said, pointing out that the document is open and inclusive. It may be signed by other partners who align themselves with its goals.

José Manuel Bolieiro stressed the Government's commitment to revising the agreement and required social partners to submit their revision proposals by October 15.

The head of the Azorean Government also stated that the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (CGTP) will be invited to collaborate again and possibly to sign the agreement, depending on the consensus of other partners. The Azores Agricultural Federation and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Azores are among the current signatories of the document. These organisations are considered fundamental to the success of this strategic project.

José Manuel Bolieiro also revealed that new organisations have shown interest in joining the agreement: the Azores Building Industry and Public Works Association (AICOPA), the Regional Union of Private Social Solidarity Institutions of the Azores (URIPSSA) and the Regional Union of Misericórdias of the Azores (URMA) have expressed their intention to sign the document.

According to the President of the Government, these organisations, in addition to agreeing with the original content of the agreement, will also be able to propose revisions, contributing to the document through a series of additions.

"The agreement is a development project geared towards the convergence and growth of the Azores. With the inclusion of new signatories, we hope to strengthen the scope of this commitment and welcome new proposals that could improve the document," he stressed.

This revision of the Agreement takes place in the context of the transition to the 2025 budget organisation, which, according to José Manuel Bolieiro, reiterates the importance of active collaboration among all sectors of Azorean society.

The President of the Regional Government also took the opportunity to thank Gualter Furtado for his work in preparing the upcoming regional budget.

The Strategic Partnership Agreement - "Income, Sustainability and Growth" is regarded as a flexible and future-orientated document reflecting the needs of the Azoreans and the commitment of the Regional Government to the sustainable development of the Region.