Australian Export Awards finalists announced

Austrade media release

7 November 2007

Australian exporters who contributed a combined  $11.6 billion to the economy and employed 38,500 people have been recognised in the 2007 Australian Export Awards.

This year's finalists range from:

• large mining corporations Newcrest Mining and Xstrata Coal to financial house Macquarie Bank
• leading-edge technology innovators such as Cochlear and Securency International, to Abalone Farms Australia and indigenous art exporters Maningrida Arts and Culture.

Austrade CEO, Peter O'Byrne, said that 79 companies from across Australia had been selected as finalists in the Australian Export Awards from a total of 451 entrants.

"Selecting 12 category Export Award winners, as well as the overall DHL Australian Exporter of the Year from such a quality field is a demanding task," Mr O'Byrne said.

"It is a challenge we are fortunate to face because of the significant contribution these companies make to Australia's international business profile and to the prosperity and living standards all Australians enjoy."

Mr O'Byrne said the year's entries included businesses from across Australia, with a wide range of entries from regional Australia. The Regional Exporters' category specifically recognises the contribution of these regional export success stories.

"From Darwin in the Northern Territory to Devonport in Tasmania, this year's finalists are exporting everything from software and education to artworks and laser show entertainment. They represent Australia's rapidly-changing export landscape.

"A number of this year's finalists have been participants in the Australian Export Awards in previous years, which shows the value placed on the Awards by these companies," Mr O'Byrne said.

A full list of finalists is available at www.exportawards.gov.au

The Australian Export Awards are jointly presented by Austrade and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with the support of the State and Territory governments and industry allies.

The sponsors are:

• DHL
• Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC)
• Commonwealth Bank, AusIndustry
• Accor
• Australian Business International Trade Services
• CPA Australia
• Caterpillar
• Australian Made
• Minerals Council of Australia
• Ernst & Young.

The Awards program will culminate in the presentation of the DHL Australian Exporter of the Year award and export category award winners at a Gala Dinner in Brisbane at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 22 November 2007.

For more information about the 2007 Australian Export Awards program and the Gala Dinner, visit www.exportawards.gov.au.

ENDS

Media contact

Caroline James
Tel: +61 3 9648 3130
Email: caroline.james@austrade.gov.au

For further news and information from the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) visit www.austrade.gov.au//mediacentre.