14th annual NCE export awards

The NCE conducted an awareness seminar for prospective applicants for export awards based on their export performance in 2005.

The awards ceremony which will be held by the chamber on October 31, for the 14th consecutive year recognises and rewards export excellence of Sri Lankan exporters.

The NCE which is the only Chamber set up to serve exporters has over the years, succeeded in making this event very popular as it is the only event in Sri Lanka which recognises and motivates Sri Lankan exporters to achieve greater excellence in the field of exports.

The awareness seminar was chaired by Kingsley Bernard, the immediate past president of the NCE and the Chairman of the Awards Committee.

Since last year, the Chamber has opened the doors of this event to non member exporters in addition to its own members in recognition of its commitment to motivate all exporters to achieve higher levels of export performance carrying valuable foreign exchange for the country as Sri Lanka is an export led economy.

This year, the Chamber will recognise export excellence in three broad categories, Export of Products, Exports of Services and Service Providers to Exporters.

W In the product sector category, the awards will be made Agriculture (Bulk), Agriculture (Value-added). Tea (Bulk), Tea (Value-added), Quota Garments, Non-Quota Garments, Mineral Products, Gems and Jewellery, Information Technology and other Industrial categories.

W In the Export of Service category, the awards will be made to consultancy services covering, Accountancy services, other Financial services, Legal services, Educational services, Medical services, Tourism related services. Other sub services covered in this category are call centres, ship repairs, employment agencies and software development.

W In the Service Providers to Exporters category awards will be made in Freight forwarding, shipping services, courier services, banking and insurance services, telecommunication services, packaging and printing, accessories, trading and advertising services and professional services.

A noteworthy feature in this year's Awards is the recognition of Export of Services as a major category, as it is an area which has very high growth prospects, especially for developing countries such as Sri Lanka.