Austrade media release
3 November 2005
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Trade, Senator Sandy Macdonald this morning congratulated 75 outstanding Australian exporters selected as national finalists for the 42nd annual Australian Export Awards.
Speaking at a breakfast in Parliament House, Senator Macdonald said the finalists reflected how diverse our export efforts have become and highlighted that export success is not limited to the big cities of our vast continent.
“The 2005 finalists include large and emerging businesses from every State and Territory, from both metropolitan and regional areas and across industries ranging from manufacturing to mining, agribusiness to the arts, tourism and education,” Senator Macdonald said.
“These outstanding businesses exemplify the commitment, ingenuity and adaptability of Australia’s export community,” he said.
Senator Macdonald said the finalists were selected from a strong field of more than 450 entrants from across Australia.
“These companies have worked very hard to achieve export success and should be seen as role models for all Australian businesses. The 75 exporters which are finalists this year have made an important contribution to the continued prosperity of our country, generating export sales estimated at $17 billion in 2004-05 and employing over 78,000 Australians,” he said.
“The 2005 Australian Export Award finalists demonstrate that through innovation, commitment, flexibility and hard work, Australian companies can compete, and win, in the international marketplace.
“This ability to compete internationally has never been more important following our recent improved access to international markets through the signing of Free Trade Agreements with the United States, Singapore and Thailand.”
The 2005 Australian Export Awards program will culminate in the presentation of the ‘Australian Exporter of the Year’ award and export category award winners at a gala presentation dinner in Sydney on 1 December 2005.
Media ContactRachel Kingsford Smith (Sen Macdonald’s office)
Tel: 0408 109 537
Gregory Harvey (Austrade)
Tel: +61 2 9390 2703
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