NCE Awards 2016 applications launched

An official event of the Chamber to launch the issue of Applications for the Annual Export Award Ceremony 2016 was conducted at the Hilton Colombo on 9 March. It was attended by a select gathering of NCE office bearers and council members, past award winners, and representatives of the print and electronic media.

The NCE Awards Ceremony for 2016 will be held on 30 September 2016 at the Grand Ballroom of Hilton Colombo. Closing date for Applications is 15 July. Hard copies of applications are now available at the Secretariat of the chamber as well as online at the chamber website www.nce.lk.

The President of the Chamber in his welcoming address stated that the NCE is the only private sector Chamber which exclusively serves Sri Lankan exporters who make a vital contribution to the economic development of Sri Lanka. 

He added that the NCE has over 500 member companies across all product sectors, and important services sectors as well as service providers to exporters such as freight forwarders, couriers, etc. The membership includes some of the biggest export houses in Sri Lanka as well as many SME exporters. They contribute more than half of the export earnings of Sri Lanka, and also provides employment to a substantial number of people. 

The NCE provides a range of services to support exporters. The culmination of these services is the Annual Export Awards ceremony, the objective of which is to recognise and reward the achievements of our exporters in the International market place, and to enhance their achievements. 

He further stated that the Chamber has introduced this year a select number of Special Awards to recognise the contribution made by individuals and organisations which have a direct bearing on the development of exports from Sri Lanka, in addition to the recognition as in previous years the export performance of Sri Lankan exporters of products and services.

Chamber Secretary General and CEO Shiham Marikar in his address stated that the chamber had conducted this glittering event annually over the last 23 years without a break. 

He added that the event has assumed national significance and stature over the years and is the most looked forward to event in the business calendar of Sri Lanka attended by over 750 participants comprising the cream of the business community, State officials, diplomats, and other special invitees. 

The awards are designed to motivate and encourage exporters to achieve higher goals in the international market place. Winning an export award enhances the visibility of an export enterprise in overseas markets and enables attraction of new customers, as well as investors, and donors to have an edge over its competitors. 

Winning an award speaks volumes about the products and services of an export enterprise and strengthens its credibility. It is also testimony of the work ethic, dedication, and uniqueness of an export enterprise which enables to reinforce the loyalty of customers. It also enhances the reputation of an enterprise in the eyes of the general public as well as prospective customers, and differentiates the enterprise from competitors in relation to the commitment and achievements of its products and services.

He further stated that at this event Gold, Silver and Bronze trophies and medals are presented to exporters of products and services, as well as service providers to exporters who have achieved excellence in their respective sectors. 

In addition to the General Awards, Special Awards will be presented to the Most Innovative Exporter, Best Sri Lankan Brand Exporter, the Most Value Added Exporter, Best Exporter to Emerging Markets, the Best SME Exporter, and Best Woman Exporter. This year the chamber will also present several special project related awards and activity related awards and as a result expects wider participation of applicants this year.