The search is on for 2009's most innovative and successful Queensland export businesses in the Premier of Queensland's Export Awards.

Premier Anna Bligh said, "Queensland business is facing major economic challenges as a result of the current global financial crisis. Getting into exporting and targeting new overseas markets for goods and services are ways in which Queensland companies to face and overcome the current difficult economic circumstances.

Premier Bligh at the 2008 Export Awards.

"The awards, now in their 20th year, have a record of success in promoting the achievements and capabilities of the State's export businesses and industries.

"In 2007-08, our Queensland businesses generated a total of $35.3billion in merchandise exports, while the State's service exports topped $8.76billion," Ms Bligh said.

"The Premier of Queensland's Export Awards program gives our outstanding exporters due recognition and reward, and acknowledges the vital contribution exporting makes to Queensland's economy.

"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.

"Promoting Queensland businesses as global suppliers of choice is a key part of my government's Toward Q2 strategy," Ms Bligh said

Premier Bligh said that she welcomed nominations from Queensland export businesses across the 12 award categories:

• Agribusiness

• Arts and Entertainment

• Education and Training

• Emerging Exporter

• Information and Communication Technology

• Large Advanced Manufacturer

• Large Services

• Minerals and Energy

• Small to Medium Manufacturer

• Small to Medium Services

• Small Business

• Regional Exporter of the Year Award

"The winner of the Queensland Exporter of the Year Award will be selected from the winners of these categories," Ms Bligh said.

"Additionally, there is the Richard Joel Young Export Entrepreneur Award for a successful young exporter, and the Dermot McManus Award for export innovation.

"This year will also be the second year that we have presented the Tom Burns Award for an emerging exporter to China or Vietnam. This is a fitting tribute to the late Honourable Tom Burns AO and his dedication to building and improving relations with these two important trading partners for Queensland," Ms Bligh said.

Mr Joe Pease, CEO of Xstrata Technology, said his company had benefited greatly from winning the Premier of Queensland's Exporter of the Year Award, after also winning the Large Advanced Manufacturer category in 2008.

"The award has assisted in raising our profile and in particular acknowledges Queensland and Australia's capacity to create high-tech leading-edge mining technology products and provide them competitively to a global market," said Mr Pease.

"I encourage Queensland exporting companies to participate in the awards. The program provides both acknowledgement of staff achievements as well as an important opportunity to build your company's profile and brand," he said.

Winners in each category receive a cash or service prize, publicity in various publications, use of the Premier of Queensland's Export Awards logo as well as a trophy.

Winners and finalists will be announced at a gala awards ceremony dinner hosted by the Premier during Export Week in October.

Winners of the Premier of Queensland's Export Awards automatically progress as finalists in the 2009 Australian Export Awards held later in the year.

Applications for the Premier of Queensland's Export Awards can be submitted online.

www.export.qld.gov.au

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