Two models of bicycles, judged to be among the country's nine best export items, on June 21 were awarded the prestigious Gold National Awards of Excellence for 2001.

Reflecting the important role of Taiwan's export industries, which account for more than 40 percent of Gross Domestic Product, the Gold Awards were presented personally by President Chen Shui-bian at ceremonies in the Taipei World Trade Center.

The winning products were chosen by a panel of 11 international and domestic judges, based on the criteria of quality, design, R&D/innovation, market position and brand awareness. They were selected as meeting the ideal of "innovalue", a term coined to combine the attributes of innovation and value for money.

Another 21 products were honored with Silver National Awards of Excellence.

One of the judges, Seijiro Oshimura, professor of management and information at Japan's Jyobu University, noted that the award-winning items could be considered to have attained the level of "worldwide outstanding products". He said he has been impressed by "how quickly the top Taiwanese manufacturers have been able to catch up with leading Japanese companies".

Another member of the panel, Matthew Asinari, global senior partner with Young & Rubicam Advertising, said that many of the contenders this year had adopted a "significant shift in their marketing strategy" -placing priority on developing and managing their own brands as opposed to manufacturing under contract for others.

The two winning bicycle manufacturers, who will receive cash prizes of nearly US$15,000, were:

- Giant Manufacturing Co. for its MR4 Compact Road Bike, a 24" mini folding road-racing bike that is lightweight (10.5 kg), compact, and folds without tools for ease in carrying or storing in a car.

- Merida Industry Co. for its MAGLIGHT 909 magnesium bike featuring ultra light weight (7.5 kg), aerodynamic lines and matching colors to project an image of intense speed, and ergonomic design for pleasant riding.

The other Gold Award recipients included six computer products and a remote-controlled model helicopter.

The Symbol of Excellence program, held annually since 1993, was established by Taiwan's Board of Foreign Trade and is run by CETRA, the national trade promotion agency. The purpose is to encourage Taiwan manufacturers to further upgrade their standards and to create broader awareness of the strides already made in Taiwan in creating products encompassing quality, innovation, and value.

Among a total of 677 products nominated this year, a total of 313 were deemed worthy to bear the red Symbol of Excellence logo.

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