Bangkok--26 Aug--Thailand’s Department of Export Department of Export Promotion announces 31 winners of Prime Minister’s Export Award 2008, boosting image of high quality Thai products and services to the global recognition Thailand’s Department of Export Promotion under the Ministry of Commerce is scheduled to announce this year’s winners of the Prime Minister’s Export Award 2008 (PM’s Export Award) on Monday 25th August 2008 at Santi Maitri Building, the Government House. The event will be presided over by H.E. Prime Minister Mr. Samak Sundaravej. The Prime Minister’s Export Award is one of the highest governmental recognitions bestowed upon Thai exporters. The Award aims not only to officially celebrate the distinguished quality and standard of Thai products and services, but also to stimulate among Thai exporters the development of products and services that are geared toward winning international acceptance and bolstering competitiveness in the global market — thus, contributing to the country’s overall economy. This year, which marks the 17th year of the PM’s Export Award, the panel of judges consists of experts in various fields from both public and private sectors. The judging criteria involve all operational aspects including product and service quality, manufacturing process, environmental practices and good governance. A total of 31 companies have been selected to receive 34 awards, which are classified into five categories as follows: 1. Best Exporter — 4 companies, 4 awards 2. Thai-Owned Brand — 8 companies, 8 awards 3. Design Excellence Award — 16 companies, 18 awards 4. Best Service Provider — 3 companies, 3 awards 5. OTOP Export Recognition, 1 company, 1 award This year’s winners are carefully selected from arrays of businesses including frozen seafood industry, home and accessories, stationary and office supplies, furniture, ceramic and equipment, air-conditioner, toys, mobile phone, industrial equipment, hospital, construction, education and Benjarong wares. Mr. Rachane Potjanasuntorn, Director General of Department of Export Promotion, says that “The Prime Minister’s Export Award has been going on since 1992 as the official recognition from the government to Thailand’s outstanding products and services. We carefully consider from the businesses’ determination in developing not just their products and services but also the designs which are the key element of success when it comes to globalization of the Thai brands. The success of these companies should benefit Thailand’s competitiveness and contribute to the greater success of the Thai economy as a whole.” “Therefore, by awarding these outstanding businesses, we should be able to increase the country’s competitiveness on the global basis. The Department of Export Promotion hopes that this campaign will encourage more Thai business owners to keep developing their products, their brands and also seeking for new business opportunities in the global market to expand our exports in both terms of quantity and quality,” says Mr. Rachane. Winners of the awards will enjoy many privileges from the Department such as special treatments at the Department’s seminar enrollments and exposures in series of publications and media, including the PM’s Export Award Directory, Exporters Review and many local and international presses. Also, winners will be strongly promoted to conduct business with the Department’s Internationalization scheme that includes the brand development program for the global market. The Prime Minister’s Export Award, or widely known as PM’s Export Award, is part of the scheme initiated in 1992 and organized annually for local product and service development. For the past 17 years, there are a total of 270 winning companies with 332 awards handed out. The PM’s Export Award offers an opportunity for Thai exporters to be recognized on the global stage, as well as to enhance operational growth and achieve business sustainability.