In order to encourage the export activities of the Indian pharma companies, the Pharmaceutical Exports Promotion Council (Pharmexcil) is in the process of introducing exports awards to the companies which has demonstrated outstanding export performance in the last four years.

The Council has invited applications from pharma exporters in the country and will commence the selection process for the best performance under a separate committee of experts after August 25, 2009. The awards will be presented to the winners in the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Council, which will be held in September 2009, informs Dr P V Appaji, executive director, Pharmexcil.

"We have tried to introduce such a recognition to the companies earlier too. But the response from the industry was very poor at that time. Now, we have received a good response. We will also try to collect company-wise exports data from the central government to identify the eligible company though they have not applied for the award," he said. "The recognition from the council would encourage the companies to boost their exports performance in future," Appaji said.

The awards will be distributed for two categories - General Category and Product Category and there will be one trophy and one merit certificates and one award for emerging exporter in each of the category. Awards will be bestowed for the best performance for the years 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09. The Council is also planning to present the awards annually at its AGM from next year onwards.

The Council will accept application forms for the awards till August 25, 2009 and will forward it to the expert committee appointed by the Committee of Administration for their recommendations.