By decision of the Coordination Board of the Partnership for Progress international program, OJSC North-West Telecom was awarded with a special “Golden Standard” prize. In addition, the company’s General Manager V. A. Akulich was handed a Memorial Badge and a personal 1st rank Gold Imperial diploma for application of advanced business management methods.

The criteria considered in the selection of companies for potential participation in the program were their respective sector of business, region, and financial indicators and figures published in Russian and international media. North-West Telecom was so highly awarded for the company’s high stability criteria and development rates.

The Partnership for Progress program was developed by the business community of Germany and France to establish direct contacts with industrial enterprises. The program marked its 10th anniversary in February 2005. The main goals of the program are industrial research and engineering information exchange, search for foreign partners, and education of top managers.