Finalists gather in Canberra - International Pages - Brief Article

Business Asia, Dec, 2000

BEFORE THE glitz and glamour of the big night, finalists in this year's 2000 Australian Export Awards gathered to celebrate their exporting prowess at a breakfast in Canberra.

The event, held on November 29 and hosted by Columbus Line, paid tribute to a wide-ranging group of finalists from small and large enterprises.

Highlighting the successes and strengths of Australia's export industry Trade Minister Mark Vaile praised this year's finalists for their "ingenuity, savviness and export achievement".

"From the cities and country towns alike, this year's national finalists exemplify all the good traits we'll need -- as a country -- if we're to survive and prosper in the global economy," he said.

This year's Awards generated 67 national finalists out of more than 300 entrants, a record in its 37-year history.