Government backs Exports Awards

12 March 2018, 12:00AM

PR - The Government of Samoa is fully supportive of the Samoa Exports Awards, now scheduled for Friday 15 June 2018.

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Labour (M.C.I.L.), in its role as the Secretariat to the Exports Awards, strongly encourages all businesses who exports goods and services overseas, to submit an application for the Awards. 

There are seven award categories with a new special award category to be added to recognise the role of women in exporting. 

“In addition to prizes to be won, nominees for each award category will gain wider recognition of their products and services, dedicated efforts and achievements that contribute to strengthening our economy,” a statement from M.C.I.L. said. 

“Furthermore, as a winner of an award, your business will enjoy a distinct business advantage through the enhancement of your business’ image and standing, as well as the prestige and satisfaction associated with significant public recognition of your achievements.

“Due to Cyclone Gita which has affected our country and in particular our business community, the decision was made to extend the due date for submitting applications to the end of the month – 30th March 2018. 

“We hope that the additional time will encourage our established and aspiring exporters to file an application to M.C.I.L. for the Samoa Export Awards. As the due date for submitting applications has been extended, likewise the Exports Awards Event date has been postponed to Friday 15th June 2018.

“To resolve concerns regarding confidentiality and impartiality in the process, all applications must be lodged with M.C.I.L. only and the M.C.I.L. Secretariat for the Export Awards is responsible for receiving applications, overseeing the administrative processes for assessing and verifying information provided in the applications as well as providing general Secretariat support to the Evaluation Committee and the Panel of Judges. 

“We wish to re-assure our business community that all information received as part of the application process, will be treated with utmost confidentiality and will be used only for the purposes of assessing the winning recipients for the exports awards.” 

To further maintain the impartiality and transparency of the selection process for Award winners, an Evaluation Committee comprising of specific representatives from key Government Ministries will also adopt the overall responsibility of endorsing the Judges for each Award category and ensuring that all information provided for the Judges’ final assessment have been verified accordingly and that confidentiality and impartiality of the Assessment process is maintained.

“All members of the Secretariat, the Evaluation Committee and panel of Judges, will also be required to sign a Declaration of Confidentiality and Impartiality. 

“To further assist in maintaining the Confidentiality of information and the Impartiality of the Judges from potential applicants, please note that the identity of the Judges will not be made known until the Awards Event Evening on 15th June 2018. 

“Our M.C.I.L. Secretariat Team are available to answer any queries or concerns that potential applicants may have regarding the Criteria and information requested in the application form. 

“Wishing all the applicants for the Samoa Exports Awards the very best and we sincerely thank those who have already filed their applications to M.C.I.L.”

12 March 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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