HSBC Bangladesh yesterday recognised six exporters for their leadership in promoting the country and contributing to its sustainable growth. 

The winners of the 8th HSBC Export Excellence Awards are: DBL Group, Urmi Group, Etafil Accessories, Western Marine Shipyard, Mazen (Bangladesh) Industries Ltd, and Walton Hi-tech Industries Ltd.

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed handed over the crests among the winners at a ceremony at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden.  

DBL Group won the exporter of the year award in the readymade garments category with an annual export turnover of more than $100 million.

One of the leading knit garments and fabrics manufacturers and exporters in the country since 1991, the group caters to buyers mainly in the European Union and the US. It is currently composed of 25 concerns with a workforce of 30,000.

Urmi Group won the award in the same category, albeit for an annual export turnover of less than $100 million.

The group started its journey in the 1950s and is accredited by leading international clothing brands. It exports to 49 countries across six continents for 13 retailers.

Etafil Accessories became the exporter of the year in the supply chain and backward linkage category for an annual export turnover of $10 million and more.

Established in 1998, Etafil Accessories is a concern of Tamishna Group, a manufacturer and exporter of sewing thread, garment accessories and yarn dyeing.

Western Marine Shipyard Ltd won the award in the traditional and emerging sectors category for an annual export turnover of $5 million.

Set up in 2000, it builds ocean-going vessels. Currently, it is making 30 ships, which include deep-sea fishing trawlers, port utility vessels, tugs, inland container ships, inland tankers and passenger ships.

Mazen (Bangladesh) Industries, an export-oriented manufacturing company, became the exporter of the year in the SMEs category for a turnover of less than $5 million.

The company produces optical frames and sunglasses with a production capacity of 500,000 pieces per month. It has 3,800 workers. Products are exported to the US, the UK, Italy, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands and France.

Walton Hi-tech Industries won the inaugural excellence in import substitution category for reducing or substituting imports to a value of $10 million or more.

Established in 1994, Walton produces electrical and electronics appliances and automobiles. The group has more than 21,000 employees and runs through more than 4,000 retail outlets, exclusive distributors and dealers.

MA Jabbar, managing director of DBL Group; Md Sakhawat Hossain, managing director of Western Marine Shipyard; Gulzar A Chowdhury, managing director of Etafil Accessories; Xue Fel Claire, head of administration of Mazen (Bangladesh) Industries; SM Shamsul Alam, vice-chairman of Walton Hi-Tech Industries, and Asif Ashraf, CEO of Urmi Group, received the crests on behalf of their respective companies.

Speaking as the chief guest, Tofail Ahmed said the government has taken a lot of initiatives to diversify the country's product base and export destinations.

"We have increased both the amount and the number of sectors that receive cash incentives," he said.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Fazle Kabir said the central bank is encouraging, enabling, facilitating and supporting exporters.

Apart from the garment sector, the shipbuilding and the light engineering sectors are now globally renowned, he said.

He said Bangladesh will have to be prepared to face different challenges after 2024 when the country will graduate to a developing country from the category of least developed countries.

Stuart G Tait, regional head for commercial banking at HSBC Asia-Pacific, reflected on the bank's business in Bangladesh and the role the country plays within the Asia-Pacific region. "And it's a very positive story," he said.

"HSBC has been in Bangladesh for just over 22 years now, and in that time we have been privileged to bear witness to the incredible growth of Bangladesh's economy. As the economy grows it also diversifies."

Tait said Bangladesh's long-established and up-and-coming exporters are perfectly placed to reap the rewards of the Asian Century.

Francois de Maricourt, chief executive officer of HSBC Bangladesh, said Bangladeshi entrepreneurs have been at the forefront in fuelling the country's steady economic growth.

"At HSBC, we are honoured to recognise and encourage these entrepreneurs for their perseverance and hard work."

Md Mahbub ur Rahman, deputy CEO and country head of wholesale banking of HSBC Bangladesh, said export plays a major role in Bangladesh's economic prosperity.

"We would like to thank our entrepreneurs for their relentless efforts for taking the Bangladesh brand global."

Launched in 2010, the award takes into consideration the companies' corporate social responsibility practices, regulatory compliance, sustainable business practices, commitment and contribution to the local economy.

The Daily Star, Prothom Alo, Nielsen Bangladesh and KPMG are the programme partners of this year's awards. HSBC Bangladesh helps to export products to over 100 countries each year. More than 10 percent of Bangladesh's global trade is channelled through the bank.