An awarding ceremony to honour winners of strong brand names was held in Hanoi on April 4 in recognition of the business circle’s efforts to increase Vietnamese brands’ competitive edge in foreign market.

Addressing the function, Head of the Organising Board Dao Nguyen Cat said that 120 enterprises receiving the awards are those who have successfully affirmed their products’ prestige to customers, contributing to the country’s economic development.

Big names, including VNPT, Tan Cang Sai Gon, SJC, Vinamilk, Vietcombank, Vietinbank, BIDV, Sacombank, Hau Giang Pharma, Bao Viet group, Dai Dong Tien and Vinacafe Bien Hoa were among those who received the award.

According to the organising board, enterprises who joined the selection contributed over 60 trillion VND, or 16 percent, to the State budget in 2009.

The award was launched in 2003 in response to the national brand name programme approved by the Prime Minister.

The first awarding ceremony was held in 2005 as part of the programme’s annual activities./.