Photo sggp

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — The Vietnamese High Quality Goods award would be given to 474 firms this year, up 58 enterprises compared to 2013, it was announced yesterday.

The winners were selected from a list of 662 eligible companies following a 3.5-month poll conducted nationwide by the Business Association of High Quality Vietnamese Products.

Besides conducting surveys on households and individual consumers, the association, for the first time, surveyed retailers in markets, supermarkets and shops, said Hoang Trong of the association.

The association has co-operated with government agencies to check the firms' compliance with product quality management and Government policies and laws.

There are 80 new winners and 42 that have won annual recognition for 18 consecutive years, according to Trong.

It also marks the first time that businesses operating in the fresh flower and vegetable industry have participated in the awards competition. Seven of them won awards.

Most of the award-winning firms are makers of food, sauces, spices, electrical and household machines, non-alcoholic beverages and embroidered products.

Vu Kim Hanh, the association's chairwoman, said yesterday the association would support businesses so they could expand market share in domestic and neighbouring markets, as well as update and improve their technologies and management.

In addition, the association would help small- and medium-sized firms and specialty food producers to promote their businesses.

The association also planned to enhance communication activities to improve the consumption of Vietnamese goods in the domestic market, she said.

The awards ceremony will be held on February 25 at the White Palace Convention Centre in Phu Nhuan District. — VNS