Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) Dr. Mohammad Al-Hashel, on Monday, said the International Association of Currency Affairs (IACA) announced that the sixth issue of KWD banknotes has been awarded the 2015 International Award for Best Banknote Issue. This came during the Annual Currency Conference held in Vancouver, Canada during the period from May 10-13.
This is considered the most prestigious award within the banknote industry and is based on votes cast by central banks and international companies specialized in the production of banknotes in a competition between currencies issued by eighteen countries around the world, Al-Hashel told KUNA in statement.
The sponsors indicated that the sixth banknote issue deserved to win due to the visual artistry and high levels of technical and security sophistication of the notes, coupled with the considerable emphasis placed on reflecting the country's heritage as well as its modern style, he added.
The six denominations of the new currency banknotes all feature the landmarks of the State of Kuwait and its political and economic milestones. The notes have a vibrant design, each capturing a different aspect of Kuwait culture - such as sea and land life, democracy and Islamic history, Al-Hashel said. Additionally, consideration has been given to the needs of the visually-impaired through the use of raised print, which help distinguish each banknote's value.
Al-Hashel expressed pleasure and pride over achieving this very significant award, and further stated that the sixth issue had also been awarded Regional Banknote of the Year 2014 (Asia) at the High Security Printing Conference in Manila, the Philippines. "Such awards represent recognition by specialized organizations of achievement in design, the incorporation of latest security features and relevance of symbolism with regard to the State of Kuwait, its accomplishments and economic milestones throughout history," he said.
In acknowledging the international awards given to the sixth issue of KWD banknotes, Al-Hashel dedicated such achievements to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in recognition of their enduring support to the CBK and their benevolent guidance of beloved Kuwait and the welfare of its kind people.