The Regional Secretary for the Economy announced today, during the second meeting of the Consultative Council on Economy (CCE), that Madeira is preparing new incentive measures to support companies and strengthen the Region’s response to the effects of the energy crisis.
José Manuel Rodrigues once again highlighted the impact the Middle Eastern Crisis continues to have on the regional economy, affecting both businesses and families. However, he argued that the Region had responded well through measures related to energy production, fuel price controls and support for companies aimed at preserving jobs and preventing increases in consumer prices.
Among the main topics discussed at the meeting were air accessibility to Madeira, with particular concern over the Social Mobility Allowance and the operational constraints at Madeira Airport, according to a statement issued by the governor’s office.
The Council also identified labour shortages, excessive bureaucracy in public administration, housing difficulties and an ageing population as priority challenges facing the Region.
The Regional Secretary defended the need for a regulated and humane approach to the recruitment of foreign workers and called for the simplification of administrative procedures to speed up private investment.
As part of the support measures for businesses, the Institute for Business Development (IDE) is expected to launch, within the next one to two months, two existing incentive schemes adapted to mitigate the impact of rising energy and fuel costs.
One of the programmes will include energy and fuel expenses as eligible costs to support company operations, while the second will strengthen transport assistance, particularly for exporters and businesses dependent on imported raw materials.
On the social front, the minister recalled that the Regional Government has already built more than 800 homes, although he acknowledged that the response remains insufficient given current and future demand. He therefore defended increasing the supply of housing aimed at the middle class, low-income families and young couples.
The minister also warned of the challenges posed by an ageing population, stressing the need to strengthen areas such as healthcare, social security and social support to guarantee a better quality of life for the elderly.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
Views: 3
