The 2012 Australian Export Awards mark half a century of exporting success, showcasing the innovation and skills that would secure Australia's future in the Asian Century, Trade and Competitiveness Minister Craig Emerson said.

The Awards, presented at Parliament House, Canberra, honoured 12 outstanding exporters in agribusiness, arts and entertainment, education and training, minerals and energy, services and manufacturing.

Dr Emerson, who is Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Asian Century Policy, said Australia had come a long way since the first Export Awards in 1963.

"In 50 years, Australia has been transformed into an open, competitive economy with close trade and investment links to Asia," Dr Emerson said.

"As we turn our attention to the next wave of opportunity the Asian Century will bring, exporters will play a more important role than ever.

"I congratulate tonight's winners and wish them continued success in the future."

The 50th Australian Export Awards ceremony was the culmination of a series of state and territory competitions, which resulted in a final field of 78 national finalists.

Together, they contributed $8.6 billion in export earnings to the Australian economy, and employed more than 27,000 people.

The Prime Minister's Australian Exporter of Year Award goes to PWR Performance Products, which provides light-weight radiators, oil coolers and intercoolers to the high-performance racing industry.

It counts Formula 1 and NASCAR teams among its clients.

The Australian Export Awards is one of Australia's most prestigious and longest-running business award programs, celebrating the contribution that exporting makes to the national economy.

The 50th Awards were co-presented by Austrade and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Media enquiries

• Minister Emerson's Office: (02) 6277 7420
• DFAT Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555