Exporters to get awards

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto is expected next month to present awards to 78 model exporters for their distinguished efforts in fostering the country's non-oil exports.

The selection of the model exporters is carried out by the National Agency for Export Development (NAFED) based on exporters performance as well as their commitments in fostering the welfare of their laborers and preserving the environment.

A spokesman for NAFED said over the weekend that the award winners will be divided into four groups -- small exporters with annual exports of US$500 to $5 million, medium exporters with annual exports of over $5 million to $15 million, medium-large exporters with annual exports of over $15 million to $50 million and large exporters with annual exports of over $50 million.

Of the 78 companies, 26 will be categorized as national-level companies and the rest provincial-level companies. All the provinces, except East Timor, will be represented by two companies. "No companies in East Timor thus far have fulfilled the criteria," the spokesman said.

He said the awards are expected to be presented in a ceremony here on Nov. 24.(rid)