I congratulate the individuals, businesses and industries recognised through the 2009 Governor of Victoria Export Awards on their outstanding achievements.
Although this has been a very challenging twelve months for exporters, applications were up this year compared to 2008 and the very high standard of entrants meant that the judges had an extremely difficult job.
Victorian exports are performing better than those from many other similar advanced economies.
Victoria’s total exports for 2008 were $35.3 billon which was an increase of 10.9% on the previous year.
This is an extremely impressive result in view of the global economic downturn, and underlines the value of the Victorian Government’s strong focus on helping local industry to increase exports.
We have committed $4.8m over four years to continue the Opening Doors to Export Plan and a further $4.8 million over four years to establish the Export Connections initiative.
Ultimately however it is Victorian companies themselves that must put in the hard work and the dedication to capture the opportunities.
This year’s Award winners have shown they are well and truly up to the challenge. They have helped our economy to remain sound when others have faltered and in doing so have contributed to the wellbeing of us all.
Well done and best wishes for continuing success in the future.
Martin Pakula MP
Minister for Industry and Trade