Export Heroes Award officially launched

Do you know someone who has made a major contribution to WA's export industry? Nominate your Export Hero by going to theAustralian Institute of Export website at www.aiex.com.au.

Here's the press release ... and by the way, WA Business is a big supporter of this initiative:

MEDIA RELEASE
Senator the Hon Sandy Macdonald
Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade
Deputy Leader of The Nationals in the Senate

AWARDS LAUNCHED TO HONOUR Western Australian
EXPORT HEROES

Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Senator Sandy Macdonald has today launched the 2005-06 Australian Export Heroes Awards in Perth.

"This initiative of the Australian Institute of Export recognises those who have not only achieved export success in their own organisation but have also made significant contributions to the development and promotion of Australia's export culture," Senator Macdonald said.

"Past Heroes include; Hon Doug Anthony, for his role in the growth of trade as a former Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister; Mr Paul Cave, who as founder and chairman of the BridgeClimb developed a unique tourist attraction in Sydney; and Dr Patricia Crook AO, who with her husband produces a range of 2000 medical sutures which are exported to 30 countries around the world," he said.

"I would encourage the exporting community of Western Australia to nominate those people who have made significant contributions to a state export industry which is worth $38 billion per annum."

"Western Australia accounts for nearly a third of merchandise exports from Australia. Australian exports reached their highest level in 2004-05, and were worth $162.3 billion. This is a 13% increase on the previous year's figures."

"The Australian Government will pursue its trade liberalisation agenda through World Trade Organisation negotiations for more open global market access and bilaterally through free trade agreements with trading partners, but it is also important to support domestic companies looking to export."

"The Australian Government fully supports initiatives such as the Export Heroes Awards, which encourage business leaders who have made a valuable contribution to the exporting success of their own companies and Australia as a whole."

Nominees for the Export Heroes Awards will be assessed by an independent council convened by the Australian Institute of Export and those selected will be invited to join the register of Australian Export Heroes. The Awards will be presented in May 2006.

Further information is available from the Australian Institute of Export at www.aiex.com.au .