Australian Export Awards finalists announced

Media release

29 October 2010

Trade Minister Craig Emerson has highlighted the vital role of exporters in Australia's economic success, congratulating 78 finalists in the 48th Australian Export Awards.

Dr Emerson said exporters generated high-skill, high-wage jobs and prosperity, efforts that were invaluable in recent challenging financial times.

“Successful exporting is fundamental to Australia's economic prosperity, which is why I am committed to negotiating the best possible market access with our international partners,” he said.

“These 78 finalists last year earned more than $7 billion in exports and employed nearly 40,000 people.”

Dr Emerson said honouring the nation's top exporters was helpful in encouraging Australian businesses to engage in international trade.

“The Labor Government's economic reform program will also give exporters the best chance of success in tough international markets,” he said.

This year's finalists in the Australian Export Awards highlighted the diversity of businesses exporting goods and services, as well the breadth of new and emerging excellence in the export market, with 60 per cent of finalists new to the program.

“This year's finalists clearly represent the diversity of Australian trade: from the traditional agribusiness and mining companies to innovative manufacturers, ICT developers and education-related service providers,” Dr Emerson said.

The national export award winners in 12 industry categories, as well as the Prime Minister's Australian Exporter of the Year, will be announced on 1 December.

The Australian Export Awards program is co-presented by Austrade and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI). The Awards are run in collaboration with the States and Territories, who each conduct their own Export Awards program. For more information about the Australian Export Awards, including a full list of finalists visit: www.exportawards.gov.au.

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