Within the framework of the VII Ceremony of Official Public Recognition "Elite of the National Economy”, the Organizing Committee of the Entrepreneurship Promotion Foundation has declared North-West Telecom the winner of the annual international prize “Best Company of the Year”, conferring on the Company the honorary title “Socially Responsible Enterprise”.

The Winner’s Diploma of the annual international prize “Best Company of the Year”, the Sign and Certificate of the honorary title “Socially Responsible Enterprise” are delivered on the basis of an analytical study conducted by the Government – Private Partnership Development Subcommittee of the State Duma’s Economic Policy and Entrepreneurship Committee, Entrepreneurship Promotion Foundation, using the data from the Russian State Statistics Committee, Russian Federation President’s Staff Handbook, rating agencies and other information sources.

As a major telecommunications company in the North-West Federal District, NWT understands its role in the social development of the District, cooperates actively with government agencies and non-governmental organizations to solve the most acute social problems which are directly associated with raising living standards for all North-West residents. NWT’s social investments are aimed at in-house social programs (voluntary medical insurance, non-governmental pension benefits, additional incentives for employees etc.) as well as at external projects (support for low-income groups, development of education, culture and other aspects of community life).

In September 2009, NWT published the Corporate Social Responsibility Report, reflecting in detail all “non-financial” aspects of the Company’s business. The electronic version of the Report is available at NWT’s corporate web-site https://www.nwtelecom.ru/en/godovoi_othet.

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The annual international prize “Best Company of the Year” was instituted on the initiative of members of the State Duma’s Economic Policy and Entrepreneurship Committee and Entrepreneurship Promotion Foundation and is awarded with the support of the RF State Duma, RF Federation Council, RF Audit Chamber, RF Economic Development and Trade Ministry, Council of Ministers of the Union State of Belarus and Russia, Moscow City Duma, Russian Taxpayers Union, Russian Association of Regional Banks.

The principal aim of the prize “Best Company of the Year” is to draw public attention to the enterprises which produce a direct effect on the economic growth of Russia and form the elite of the national economy. The prize strengthens the confidence of the Russians in their abilities, shows the highest achievements, enhances the feeling of civil pride for Russia and sets tasks aimed at supporting the Russian Federation President’s and Government’s policy of ensuring a competitive market economy, restoring, maintaining and developing the glorious traditions of Russian entrepreneurs, always distinguished for quality and reliability.