Nominations open for Australian Export Awards

Australia's exporters will be awarded for their work creating jobs and driving economic growth at the 56th Australian Export Awards.

Nominations are now open for the 2018 awards program and I encourage all Australian exporters, large and small, to enter.

There are 13 categories including Digital Technologies, e-Commerce, Health and Biotechnology, Regional Exporting, Small Business and Emerging Exporters.

Australia's exporters make a substantial contribution to our economy. Last year, the Australian Export Awards' 77 national finalists generated more than $3.9 billion in export sales in 2016-17 and employed more than 31,000 people.

This year's event will again feature the Investment Award, honouring an international company or joint venture making a long-term contribution to Australia's economy. Introduced in 2016, this Award recognises businesses that are creating jobs, cultivating innovation and facilitating Australian industry expansion within global supply chains.

Australia's exporters are enjoying unprecedented access to the world as the Turnbull Government pursues Australia's most ambitious trade agenda.

Earlier this year the Coalition concluded the TPP-11, which will eliminate more than 98 per cent of tariffs in a trade zone with a combined GDP of $13.7 trillion, and this month we will launch negotiations for a trade agreement with the European Union.

These agreements build on the north Asian trade agreements the Coalition secured with China, Japan and Korea.

We are focused on creating new opportunities for Australian exporters so they can sell more of their products and services to the world and employ more Australians.

Award winners will be announced at the Australian Export Awards in Canberra in November. The awards are co-presented by Austrade and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. To enter, visit: www.exportawards.gov.au