Queensland exporters taking on the world

Queensland exporting businesses making important contributions to the state’s economy through job creation and increased community prosperity can now nominate for the 25^th Premier of Queensland's Export Awards.

Treasurer Tim Nicholls said Queensland’s exporters were taking on the world and succeeding, reinforcing the state’s strong track record of supplying innovative and reliable goods and services to overseas markets.

“This year marks the 25^th anniversary of the Export Awards, and there has never been a better time to recognise the outstanding achievements of our home-grown exporters,” Mr Nicholls said.

“We promised at the election to grow resources and agriculture, underlining our strong plan for a brighter future, and the State’s export businesses are vital to these commitments.

“Our international engagement increasingly fuels our prosperity, with exports accounting for around one fifth of our GDP, and an estimated one in five jobs in this State now trade related.

“Queensland businesses, whether they’re small family-run businesses or larger companies servicing our resources sector, play an invaluable role in our great State’s economic success.

“Last financial year, Queensland’s total overseas exports were valued at more than $54 billion, and to top this off, Queensland’s economy grew by 3.6 per cent in 2012-13, putting us well ahead of the rest of the nation.”

Mr Nicholls said Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ), the Government’s dedicated export and investment agency, played a vital role in supporting and driving these positive results.

“TIQ opportunities identified this year include mining vocational operations in Brazil, technological applications in Chile, beef products with major US and Chinese food distributors and seafood production technology for China and Japan,” he said.

“Queensland businesses are taking highly innovative products and services to the world and they deserve to have their resilience, commitment and innovation recognised.

“That’s why it is important we celebrate our international success by thanking our exporters for cementing Queensland’s place on the world stage.

“I encourage all exporters, no matter where you are located or the size of your business, to enter the Export Awards.”

Award applications close on Wednesday 30 July and winners will be announced at a presentation dinner in Brisbane on Thursday 24 October.

They will then go on to compete against their interstate counterparts at the 52^nd Australian Export Awards national ceremony in November. To enter or for more information go to www.tiq.qld.gov.au/awards.

[ENDS] 22 May 2014

Media contact: Anna Hilton 0408 191 192