The government has a new virtual assistant to help answer questions in trade, services and restaurants – Business

The government has launched a new virtual assistant where you can permanently request information from the Directorate General of Economic Activities, which was developed under the Simplex program. The information can be accessed from any device, be it a computer, tablet or smartphone, through the new tool, which is in the beta phase of virtual assistance in website to the General Authority.

You can request clarification in the areas of trade, services and catering, as well as issues related to fertilizer materials, management of the EU eco-label referral system, authorization to market new tobacco products and obligations of economic operators within the scope of monitoring activities with drug precursors, as shown in the examples.

The platform is developed using artificial intelligence and is available for 24/7 assistance. The system allows simultaneous help, without the need for a queue. The default service tool itself will also be used by General Directorate of Consumer, with information on consumer disputes, alternative dispute resolution means, asset guarantees, and a complaint book.

Despite the new tool, if necessary, users retain access to a live service, either by phone or email to ask questions.

During testing, the platform is being improved, with better service mechanisms, and the introduction of smart filters with more relevant information. Joao Torres, Minister of Trade, Services and Consumer Protection, said, “This tool is an excellent starting point for the use of innovation models based on artificial intelligence, allowing to simplify the work of public administration, putting it at the service of trade, services and consumer protection.”

This is another step in the transformation of public services, bringing people and businesses closer together, either digitally or in person, says Maria de Fatima Fonseca, Minister of State for Innovation and Administrative Modernization. “This is also a solution based on collaboration between services, which allows creating better solutions by sharing knowledge and resources in public administration,” he adds.