Nominees for the Sixth Presidential Economic Awards have been announced. Of 143 candidates, the Award Chapter chose 21 companies which it deems worthy of the distinction.

In 2003, the award will be presented in the following categories: Polish business, small Polish enterprise, financial institution, exporter, farm, foreign investment in Poland, innovative product or technology.

From among the companies nominated by the chapter (three in each category), President Aleksander Kwaśniewski will select the winners in individual categories in person. The president will present the awards at the Poznań International Fair at a ceremonial concert marking Polish Day June 9.

The award, established in 1998, is honorary and does not entitle recipients to financial rewards or business concessions. Nominees receive certificates from the chapter and may use the title in company materials and advertising.

"As the experiences of other countries show, attempts to promote the economy as a whole, especially in foreign markets, are not very successful," said Danuta Hübner, minister for European affairs and a member of the Award Chapter. "This is why leaders are promoted-companies that stand the greatest chance of strengthening their market position, and of winning confidence and respect among consumers, not only for their own products but also for other producers from the country. One of the goals of the award is to select those who have a realistic chance to play the role of a driving force behind the entire economy."