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We now close, in the Centre for Professional Training, this 5th Campaign of the Route to a Dynamic Economy, dedicated to the Furniture industry, which has in this region centuries’ old historical and cultural roots.

Furniture manufacturing is a key activity in the economic structure of Paredes and Paços de Ferreira, which I visited today. It is very hard, if not impossible, to imagine the economic, social, environmental and cultural development of this region without taking into account the influence of the art in woodworking and the production of furniture.

We are in the midst of an economic fabric particularly connected with the activities of small and medium sized family enterprises and, for this reason, a piecemeal operation: the average size of the companies is lower than that of other sectors and of its counterparts in Europe.

The industry is responsible for approximately 30 thousand work stations and, although it has been through intense consolidation, following the difficulties felt in the Portuguese economy in the more recent years, it still has a very significant weight in the national industrial sector, predominantly in this region.

Notwithstanding the limitations of the domestic market and the heavy competition felt in the more developed foreign markets, furniture and its related industries have evinced very significant dynamics in latter years. The turnover volume is showing clear signs of recovery and a strong 5% annual growth, in line with the available data, referred to the 2012-2013 period.

This data, which has at times not received its due visibility with the general public, undoubtedly shows that the energy of the entrepreneurs and companies in this industry is very much alive, its contribution being essential towards balance of trade, economic recovery and job creation.

It should equally be stressed that the dynamics of the industry are the result of very deep changes, of which watchful internal and external observers are well aware. I found, today, extraordinary examples of the results of such changes.

I found entrepreneurs opened up to new ideas, who welcome innovation and are fearless of risk. Faced with the weakness of the domestic market, this industry’s entrepreneurs have not lowered their arms and have turned towards the always demanding international expansion.

I had the opportunity to witness the more important traits of these changes in all the companies I visited today. I could emphasize the technological and production capability, the production methods, the flexibility of processes, all of these components reflected in a very valuable customer service. But I wish to underline an equally decisive factor: the link between design and the advanced production processes.

Technological acceleration, the improvement in manufacturing methods and the global expansion of markets demanded that companies differentiate their products to attract consumer attention. Currently, success combines craftwork and traditional techniques with flexible industrialization capability, which generates products comprising high added values and worldwide renowned quality.

The creation of furniture pieces is the result of creative imagination, which combines functional innovatory concepts with traditional and cultural features. The improvement in design and the harmonious and technologically advanced relationship of traditional materials with products adapted to consumer needs and which respect the demands of environmental safeguard have been a successful investment of the Portuguese furniture industry.

The Art on Chairs project, to which I became associated in 2012, in the “Duets” project, and whose bequest I had the opportunity to visit in the Paredes Furniture Design Museum, is an intelligent approach to create an international designer network linked to the region’s companies. Portugal is nowadays undoubtedly a pole of attraction of international designers and a reference in this industry.

We require encouraging new ways to endorse the connection between creative innovation and the endogenous characteristics of the region, linked to culture and to tourism itself.

These dynamics, with the simultaneous regional and cosmopolitan nature which I witnessed today, are inspiring and a reason for the appreciation of the furniture industry and the Portugal label.

The talent and work of the new generation of Portuguese designers are attracting international attention and globally projecting the industry and its companies. Professional training in the furniture industry, in its turn, can provide successful careers for young people. Youths who finish their training in this Centre are highly employable. It is thus important that investment in training and learning is not decreased, both in intermediate and higher grades, since this is one of the industry’s main factors of sustainability. Contribution towards the strengthening of the competitiveness of this region and of the furniture industry is this Centre’s vocation and responsibility.

I particularly acclaim the existing spirit of collaboration in the initiative of subscribing a cooperation protocol between the County Councils of Paredes and Paços de Ferreira and the entrepreneurial associations.

Indeed, only a perspective of integrated management, linking production and commercial activities to tourism and to the culture of the Northern Region, will create truly beneficial synergies. The entrepreneurial associations, as well as the successful experiences of associative consolidation, show that, acting together, all of them may go further and render better services to their members.

The protocol, the subscription of which I have just witnessed, and to which I attribute a very special significance, reflects the combining of the local authorities with the region’s economy to correct past errors and to provide a new thrust to the furniture cluster.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In the several Campaigns for a Dynamic Economy, I have endeavoured to provide visibility for companies that stand out for the quality of their production, for their prestigious labels, for their presence in the most competitive and demanding markets. Companies, many of which have specialized in niche markets and which compete with large multinationals. Companies which invest in innovation, in more modern production methods and in qualified human resources.

It is in entrepreneurial leadership that I view another outstanding change. The generational transition is manifest in the companies I visited in this Campaign. Keeping up the family spirit that guided the business of the respective companies since their founding, a new generation of managers and entrepreneurs has gradually assumed the leadership of the organizations that comprise the country’s economic motive power.

In the companies I visited, the generational transition, which is always a challenge, took place naturally, allowing the linkage between experience and knowledge with the strength and novel ideas of youth.

This is an especially well prepared generation, motivated to overcome the challenges of leadership within a global context.

To this new generation I would like to convey my trust in their capabilities. I am certain they can take much further the efforts and the knowhow inheritance of your forbears.

I also want to honour, on this occasion, the Portuguese furniture industry, distinguishing a number of businessmen whose strength and persistence engendered outstanding careers. Through them, I pay tribute to the industry’s entrepreneurs. It is thus entirely fair that I will award them the insignis of the Order of Entrepreneurial Merit.