Malta Enterprise hosted the 5th World Conference of Trade Promotion Organizations (TPOs) in St. Julians, Malta from 1 to 2 October 2004.The focus was on innovation and practical action as a response to rapid evolutions in global trade. Major trends underway in TPOs included combining trade and investment promotion; a new emphasis on clients; better ways to measure performance; and ways to optimize staff performance.The first World Trade Promotion Organization Awards were presented during the Malta Conference.
The first World Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) Awards 2006 were presented during the 5th World Conference of TPOs in October 2004, hosted by Malta Enterprise.The World TPO Awards recognize outstanding performance by TPOs.The World TPO Awards 2004 winners were:
Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) – ‘Best of the Best’ TPO and Best TPO from a Developing Country
Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB) – Best TPO from a Least Developed Country
Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) – Best TPO from a Developing Country
Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) – Best TPO from a Small Country
Bulgarian Trade Promotion Agency (BTPA) – Best TPO from a Transition Economy
Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) – Best TPO from a Developed Country
Proexport Colombia – Panellists’ Surprise Award
The trophies presented to the Award winners were a replica of the traditional Maltese boat, the Dghajsa, which, like the Venetian gondola, is a direct descendent of the Phoenician ships used in early Mediterranean trade.