Eurico Monteiro spoke to the press after presiding over the inauguration of the new governing bodies of the Sotavento Chamber of Commerce (CCS), highlighting that the country is experiencing a “good moment” economically, with recognition both domestically and from international institutions.
According to the minister, after a growth of 7.3% in 2024, the national economy is maintaining the same trajectory in 2026. This performance, he emphasized, has had a direct impact on the labor market, with the unemployment rate reaching its “lowest level ever,” settling at 7.5%.
“Employment indicators, labor underutilization, and underemployment show significant improvements,” congratulated the minister, who also oversees the Investment Promotion portfolio, adding that it is, however, “essential to strengthen mechanisms” for the integration of young people into the labor market and vocational training.
Eurico Monteiro praised the role of national entrepreneurs and foreign investors, stating that the results achieved reflect the dynamism of the private sector, but also the effectiveness of public policies that create favorable conditions for investment.
In this context, he highlighted the performance of the CCS (Committee on Economic Affairs), which, according to him, has been a “demanding and cooperative partner,” contributing to guiding the Government in responding to the needs of the economy and the business community.
When questioned about new measures to strengthen the business community, the minister confirmed that several dossiers are underway and that some issues are being refined in conjunction with business organizations.
Eurico Monteiro also revealed that a meeting with the CCS and other representative entities is scheduled for the first half of February, with the aim of resolving pending issues and accelerating actions that reinforce the country’s economic dynamism.
In turn, the president of the CCS, Marcos Rodrigues, expressed satisfaction with the openness shown by the Government, particularly with regard to the transfer of certain economic activities to the national private sector, classifying the measure as “essential for the sustained growth” of the Cape Verdean economy.