More opportunities for export success

Australian Government Minister for Trade, Warren Truss, was in Western Sydney today to visit leading export companies and to launch the 2007 Australian Export Awards.

Mr Truss launched the Awards at the Innovation Centre of world-leading medical device manufacturer, ResMed (2006 DHL Australian Exporter of the Year)

Mr Truss also met life science equipment manufacturer ADInstruments.

"These exporters are great examples of the highly-innovative and dynamic businesses that are helping to drive Australia’s export success,” Mr Truss said.

“These types of companies are not just clustered in Australia’s cities but are increasingly located in regional and outer metropolitan areas," he said.

The ResMed Innovation Centre in Bella Vista employs 500 staff, ranging from engineers and clinical specialists, to IT professionals and accounts staff.

Staff numbers at ADInstruments have grown from 40 to 100 in only five years. Ninety-five per cent of its products are exported.

In highlighting these exporting success stories, Mr Truss urged Australian businesses to enter the 2007 Australian Export Awards program.

“The Australian Export Awards are one of Australia’s premier business awards programs and I encourage all Australian exporting businesses to take advantage of the increased profile these Awards can provide your company,” Mr Truss said.

Award entries are open to all Australian exporters of all sizes and industries; award categories range from small to medium businesses to large, advanced manufacturing.

Last year’s 83 Awards’ finalists generated export earnings of more than $12.5 billion in total and directly employed more than 36,000 Australians.

Exports reached new heights in 2006, climbing to $210 billion – up 16 per on the previous year’s record of $176.7 billion.

For more information on the Australian Export Awards visit: www.exportawards.gov.au

Media Inquiries: Minister Truss' office 02 6277 7420 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555