An awards ceremony to honour strong brand names was held in Ha Noi on Sunday in recognition of domestic business efforts to increase Vietnamese brand competitiveness abroad.

Addressing the function, head of the organising board Dao Nguyen Cat said that the 120 enterprises receiving the awards were those who had successfully cemented their products' prestige among 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 VND60 trillion (US$3.1 million), or 16 per cent, 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.

Sourch: Vietnam News