Premier awards honour top exporters

May, 2009

THE State Government is accepting nominations for the Premier of Queensland’s Exporter of the Year Award, offering an opportunity for local companies to gain recognition for their achievements abroad.

Applications close July 24 for the gala presentation in October, with 12 different types of awards on offer from which the Queensland Exporter of the Year will be chosen.

Premier Anna Bligh says getting into exporting and targeting new overseas markets is a way Queensland companies can overcome the current economic challenges.

“Nominating for an Export Award is a great way to build business confidence,” says Bligh.

“In 2007-08, our Queensland businesses generated a total of $35.3 billion in merchandise exports, while the State’s service exports topped $8.76 billion,” she says.

“Additionally, local companies excelling on the global stage can take advantage of significant opportunities for business networking and promotion through publicity generated by the awards.”

There will also be three additional awards – the Richard Joel Young Export Entrepreneur Award, the Dermot McManus Award for export innovation and the Tom Burns Award for an emerging exporter to China or Vietnam.

Xstrata Technology CEO Joe Pease says his company benefitted greatly from winning the award last year.

“I encourage Queensland exporting companies to participate in the awards,” says Pease.

“The program provides both acknowledgement of staff achievements as well as an important opportunity to build your company’s profile and brand.”

The Premier has been promoting Queensland exporters since May 4 on a recent trade mission to the UAE, Spain and Russia.

“Exporting underpins our economy and supports thousands of Queensland jobs right across the state — and if we are to protect and grow these jobs into the future we have to continue to nurture these relationships,” says Bligh.

Queensland’s exports to Spain have increased by more than 2.5 times to $673 million in the last four years and Russia bought $123 million worth of beef last year as the state’s fourth largest beef market.

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Premier awards honour top exporters

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