The award ceremony of the Portuguese-French 2007 trophies, an initiative of the Portuguese-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, took place on October 16th.

The competition was open to four categories: Exports, SMEs, Investment, and Sustainable Development, with candidates including a total of six Portuguese companies and five French companies.

The Sustainable Development trophy was launched for the first time this year, and the shortlisted competitors were, besides the Group, Axa Seguros and Chronopost.

The Portucel Soporcel group, represented by Mr. Gil Mata – Chairman of the Group’s Sustainability Committee, had the honour of receiving the Sustainable Development trophy, which distinguished the company that had best adopted a sustainable policy at the environmental, social and economic level as well as in the areas of innovation and quality.

The Portuguese-French trophies, which are already in their 14th edition, aim to foster trade between Portugal and France (in 2006 France represented 13.6% of the Group’s exports), distinguishing the effort of companies that successfully develop strategies and invest in the two markets.

The Group views this Prize as the recognition of an effort of many years to develop a sustainable management policy and integrate social and environmental responsibility in its business strategy and management practices.