Today HSBC Bank Armenia awarded its top 5 trade finance customers in 2014, in the frames of sixth annual awards ceremony.

HSBC Bank Armenia CEO Thies Clemenz said that the awards point out the companies, which are leaders in the market, according to the hypothesis of HSBC Armenia.

“These five customers secured significant results in 2014 and played an enormous role in developing their sectors in the country by registering growth, developing international ties, demonstrating loyalty to their partners and introducing innovative technologies,” he said.

Thies Clemenz recalled that HSBC’s geographical coverage makes the 85% of the total international commerce accessible for the bank.

“Globally, we conclude USD 1 million trade deals at every minute. We aim to be a leading international bank in trade finance in the world and the first bank to which local investors and exporters will give preference when their businesses cross the borders of Armenia,” he said.

In his turn, Head of Banking at HSBC Armenia Aram Pinajyan said that those companies were named winners, which demonstrated innovative approaches in 2014 international commerce, showed active involvement and made great strides.

Ucom was awarded the Gran Prix – the Client of the Year Award.

The company was named the best client for the number and volume of employed financial tools (letters of credit), future potential and in terms of using HSBC network (Europe, Asia, U.S.).

“This is the result the joint work of Ucom and HSBC Armenia yielded. The issues our company set before the bank and the solutions that were proposed ensured good opportunities for rearmament, refinancing and crediting today and resulted in mutually beneficial cooperation owing to which our network constantly develops. I believe this cooperation will be long-lasting and HSBC will find such solutions to the currently discussed issues that will be the best in Armenia,” said Ucom CEO Hayk Yesayan.

All letters of credits issued for Ucom in 2014 were implemented through HSBC Group offices depending on the geographical location. The 2015 projected growth of trade finance volumes used by the company makes around 160%.

Gold’s Gym Fitness LLC received the Innovative Trade Award for promoting healthy lifestyle in Armenia.

“This investment made with the support of HSBC Armenia is important for health and the future of the generations. I believe this is the best investment,” said Director at Gold’s Gym Fitness LLC Tigran Martirosyan. The company was established in 2004. Four years later, in 2008, the company opened its first gym in Armenia in conformity with the principle of franchising, which presently has 2500 members.

Glass World Company, Shen Holding and MAP CJSC were also among HSBC Armenia’s award winners.

The Glass World Company received the International Trade Award. The company manufactures over 40 types of glass bottles and containers and is one of the leading manufacturers in the region with an annual production capacity of 120 million units.

In 2014, HSBC Armenia issued for this business the biggest letter of credit in its history as a result of which the company’s production capacity doubled and the export opportunities increased.

Shen Holding received the CEO’s Special Award for its longstanding work experience, maximum dedication and extensive employment of trade finance services.

MAP was named winner in Best Newcomer Trade Award category.