Finance Minister AMA Muhith and Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Atiur Rahman, among other dignitaries, pose for photograph with winners of HSBC Export Excellence Awards 2011 at a city hotel Friday.

The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Bangladesh awarded six exporters Friday in recognition of their contribution to promoting Bangladeshi goods abroad.

The exporters were awarded with the 'Exporter of the Year' trophy, under five different categories, for their contribution and leadership in promoting the 'Made in Bangladesh' mark throughout the world.

Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, KPMG and Bangladesh Brand Forum were the HSBC's strategic partners in this initiative.
Zaber and Zubair Fabrics Limited, a home textile products manufacturer, won the Exporter of the Year award under the category of RMG and Textile with annual export turnover of US$50 million or more.

Woven garments and textile fabrics manufacturer Urmi Group won the award under the category of RMG and Textile with annual export turnover less than US$50 million.

Qualitex Group, a terry towel products manufacturer, bagged the award under the category of Enterprises in the Export Processing Zones (EPZ) of Bangladesh.

PRAN Group, an agro-based processed food manufacturer, and Janata Jute Mills Limited, a jute-based yarn and fabrics manufacturer, jointly won under the category of exporter in the traditional and emerging sectors with annual export turnover of US$3 million or more.

The final winner of the Exporter of the Year is Bay Footwear Limited, a leather footwear manufacturer, under the category of small and medium enterprises with annual export turnover less than US$3 million.

Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith Friday handed over the awards to the businessmen at the HSBC Export Excellence Awards 2011 in a city hotel.

Abul Maal Abdul Muhith in his speech as the chief guest said the country's export earning might not be as much as it was in the previous year due to various local and international factors.

"But there is no reason to be nervous for this, as there are much possibilities to overcome this situation soon," he said.

A M A Muhith, however, said diversification of products is very slow and export destinations are very limited.
"Leather, shipbuilding, information technology, toys etc could be added to the export basket to bring diversity," he added.

Speaking as the special guest of the programme, Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Atiur Rahman said over the past decades the country's exporters have established a solid credential in the global trade arena, specifically as leading players in apparels and textiles sectors, through skillful use of the quota advantage.

"We see dynamic enthusiasm and thrust for growth in other export-oriented sectors as well, with local exporters making successful inroads with newer goods and services into newer markets."

The BB Governor said with the HSBC's extensive knowledge of the regions of the world they are well placed to help our exporters locate new export prospects and investment partners from abroad.

"They can also encourage and help our exporters adopt internationally practiced standards in corporate governance and financial disclosures, and guide them towards securing credit ratings high enough to enable accessing debt and equity capital on favourable terms from international markets," he added.

Noel P Quin, HSBC Group General Manager and Head of Commercial Banking Asia Pacific, said HSBC bank will expand its services in Bangladesh in the coming years.

Congratulating the winners, Andrew Tilke, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bangladesh, said: "I congratulate the winners for their achievements and also for the important role they play in Bangladesh's development and prosperity. As the world's leading international bank, the HSBC is proud to be a partner in this journey of growth."

Commenting on the export potential of Bangladesh, Md Mahbub-ur Rahman, Head of Commercial Banking of HSBC Bangladesh, said: "With its global presence, international connectivity and world-class trade solutions, the HSBC is passionately committed to helping local exporters unlock a world of potentials."

Expressing his feeling after winning the award Md Nurul Islam, Managing Director of Zaber and Zubair Group, said his company ensured quality in manufacturing products, delivered hard work, and shipped products to the buyers timely.
PRAN Group Managing Director Major General (retd) Amjad Khan Chhowdhury said PRAN has achieved a phenomenal growth during last three years.

Each year, five Bangladeshi exporters are awarded with the 'Exporter of the Year' trophy in five categories. This year is the third year of giving the awards.

Through a sophisticated process of adjudication by an illustrious panel of jury members, 
Winning organisations are selected for the award not only on the basis of their annual contribution to national export, but also on the basis of diversity, responsibility, sustainability and governance strengths of their respective businesses.

 Financial Exxpress/ Bangladesh/ 26-May-2012