(P) The National Top of Companies at its 20th edition, a sign of revival of the Romanian economy

Bucharest, November 29: The Chamber of Commerce and Industry awarded the prizes to the "winners" of the 2012 competition in the real economy at the 20th edition of the Gala of the National Top of Companies, the most important event of the business elite in Romania. "You are here to give us a sign that the economy has not collapsed and that we have a real chance to be reborn like the Phoenix," said in the opening of the gala, HE the President of the National Chamber, Mr. Mihail M. Vlasov, expressing respect and gratitude on behalf of the Chamber System, to all those who have managed to achieve economic performance in 2012. Congratulating the National Chamber for keeping the tradition of the National Top of Companies, and the winners, who, in spite of "the hard times, managed to keep the flag up and make profits in Romania ", HE the Minister of Economy, Mr. Dominic Andrei Gerea referred to the " very complex methodology and objective ", which consecrated these awards as " the most important distinction for the business community, a benchmark for businesses and an emblem for Romania". The Ministry of Economy intends to give new impetus to international economic cooperation through the 83 economic advisers and to provide more support for Romanian companies to conquer foreign markets, given that 2014 promises to be a year of economic development. At the Gala of the National Top of Companies 2013, he granted the unique distinction of the Personality of the Year in 2012, to Dr. Raed Arafat, State Secretary, Ministry of Health. Anticipating the following prize, HE the Minister for Diaspora, Mr. Cristian David, referred to the more than 2 million Romanian who live and work outside the borders and constitute a significant potential market for the local producers of traditional products, valued at 30 million annually. Given this opportunity, the government is preparing a special program to encourage consumption of Romanian traditional products, announced the Minister for Diaspora who handed Ms. Bibiana Stanciulov the unique distinction of Business Excellence for the internationally recognized trademark of the special product: natural plum jam – Topoloveni, pride of "Made in Romania" brand. At the 20th edition of the Gala of the National Top of Companies, Ms. Bibiana Stanciulov, CEO of SC Sonimpex Serv. Com SRL, presented the eco version of this unique product in the world, made according to a 100 year old recipe. Further on, speaking on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps present at the event, HE Mr. Michael Schwarzinger, the Austrian Ambassador in Bucharest, expressed the appreciation of the business community of his country for the performance of the winners of the National Top of Companies. His Excellency awarded the special prize for Social Responsibility for the projects carried out during 2012 in the areas of environment, governance, social and economic to DHL International Romania SRL. At the Gala were selected for the National Award a number of 920 companies out of a total of 6,51 , which qualified in the six major areas of activity , namely: research and development and high- tech (600 ), industry ( 2,477 ), agriculture, fishing, fish and farming (261 ) construction (281 ) services (1,977 ) trade and tourism ( 920 ). The classification was made according to the law 335/2007 of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Romania, as amended, based on a complex methodology, implemented and validated by the Chambers of Commerce of Romania, crowning at of the country-level the rankings of the operators in the counties. "The award is encouraging and obliging and gives us the opportunity to continue what we have started. We regret that Topoloveni jam is the only food product that is currently representing Romania, and the only one to be granted EU certification, "said Ms. Bibiana Stanciulov, CEO of SC Sonimpex Serv. Com SRL. "It is an award that crowns the work of 2012 and will be placed in the company exhibition, along with major products that we are proud,” said Mr. Gligor Câmpean, Director General of the Enterprise for Machine Tools and Accessories - Blaj. "I'm happy and much honored and want to thank the Chamber of Commerce because it manages to bring to gather in a high level event the representatives of the industries, of the economy and leading personalities. I also want to congratulate the National Chamber for its initiative to yearly award the economic performance, entrepreneurship, the courage to innovate and invest in innovation, criteria that also characterize us as a company", said at the end of the Gala, Mrs. Adina Tâmplaru, representative of the company Metro Cash & Carry Romania. During the event was launched the catalogue " National Top of Companies, 2013 Edition ," which includes the most valuable database for Romanian business environment , representing the coordinates of 6,516 companies ranking top 10 nationally, out of which 920 companies ranked in the 1stposition. The event was supported by