Minister Barr: Launch of 2015 Chief Minister?s Export Awards
- Written by ACT Government
Released 18/06/2015
Nominations are now open for the 2015 ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards, which recognise the important contribution that local businesses make to our economy through job creation and broadening our economic base.
The ACT has a thriving community of exporters. We contribute over 35 per cent of all Australian Government goods and services exported, and in 2013-14, 10 per cent of all Australian services in research and development (R&D) were exported from the territory to global markets – a significant national contribution.
The Awards, delivered in partnership with the Canberra Business Chamber (CBC), also acknowledge the innovation, hard work and success of Canberra businesses in reaching markets overseas.
From 2015, the ACT Government will double its funding for the Awards, providing $135,000 each year. This funding will be used to grow the Awards, highlighting those companies who are contributing to the more than $1.2 billion worth of products and services being exported annually from the ACT.
The ACT is also ranked nationally as having the highest concentration of knowledge-based activity, and the government is committed to continuing to work with our business community and higher education sector to reduce barriers and create an environment that fosters growth, innovation and entrepreneurship. The 2015-16 ACT Budget will deliver $11.75 million in new funding to support Confident and Business Ready: Building on Our Strengths, the ACT Government’s new business development strategy.
I would like to take the time to acknowledge the work of the CBC, the ACT Exporters’ Network, and the positive working relationship the ACT Government has with Austrade and the ACT exporting community.
Previous Chief Minister’s Export Awards winners in all categories include Seeing Machines, Aspen Medical, Intelledox, Bearcage Pty Ltd, Datapod and the Royal Australian Mint.
I urge all exporting businesses to enter these important awards and look forward to another excellent field of nominees. I also encourage those seeking export markets to take advantage of the ACT Government’s trade mission program. For more information, visit www.australianexportawards.com.au or www.business.act.gov.au.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
