Australian Exporter of the Year

I am pleased to announce Ego Pharmaceuticals is the 2017 Australian Exporter of the Year.

The dermatological products maker, which increased sales to China 179 per cent in 2016–2017, won the title last night at the 55th Australian Export Awards in Canberra.

Ego, who also won the Manufacturing Award, produces 120 products including QV Skincare, Sunsense sunscreen and Aqium Hand Sanitiser.

The Victorian family owned businesses has been operating since 1953 and now exports to 27 countries.

It was selected from 12 national category winners representing exporters across a range industries and locations throughout Australia.

Last night I also awarded the Trade Tourism and Investment Minister's Investment Award to NEC Australia, which has invested more than $200 million in research and development in Australia over past 15 years.

NEC Australia has also recognised the potential of Australia's regional centres, opening a corporate office at the University of Wollongong's Innovation Campus and creating 180 new ICT jobs in regional New South Wales.

This year's winners export a variety of high quality Australian goods and services from abalone to underwear, and medical instruments to environmental solutions.

Together, the 77 finalists generated more than $3.9 billion in export sales in 2016–17 and employ more than 31,000 people.

The awards honour the innovation and achievement of Australian companies.

I congratulate this year's winners and thank them, and all our exporters, for their contribution to Australia's economy.

Exports create jobs – that's why the Turnbull Coalition Government is pursuing an ambitious trade agenda to new open new markets for Australian exporters.

The Turnbull Coalition Government is working to grow this important market and attract more tourists to Australia, doing so will create new Australia jobs and drive economic growth.