Nine local exporting businesses were recognised today as leading examples of Victorian resilience, innovation and excellence at the 41st Governor of Victoria Export Awards (GOVEAs).
Minister for Trade Martin Pakula joined the Governor, the Honourable Linda Dessau AC, in congratulating Care Essentials, E2 Language, Ego Pharmaceuticals, Gekko Systems, Greyscan Australia, Hosico Engineering Group, Marand Precision Engineering, Planet Innovation and Senetas at the virtual event.
The export champions were acknowledged for the way they have adapted their business to help in the fight against coronavirus, found innovative ways to serve their customers or established new products or markets.
To shore up support for Victoria’s exporters dealing with the global pandemic, Minister Pakula announced the opening of the Global Gateway program which provides grants of up to $50,000 for exporters to engage the services of a professional organisation that can help them to improve their export strategy.
The Global Gateway program is one of three key initiatives in the Andrews Labor Government’s $15.7 million Export Recovery Package aimed at helping exporters maintain their connection to international markets and open new trade channels.
Other initiatives in the package are a virtual trade mission and e-commerce program and support for freight stabilisation.
In yesterday’s Victorian Budget 2020/21, the Labor Government committed an additional $16 million to strengthen its trade engagement, led by Victoria’s 23 trade and investment offices around the world, and $33.4 million for the continued support of the state’s international education sector.
For more information about the GOVEA winners and the Global Gateway program, go to global.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade Martin Pakula
“Victorian businesses have shown amazing resilience and adaptability this year, exemplified by the efforts and achievements of our GOVEA winners.”
“We’re backing exporters to maintain and expand their markets and I encourage companies engaged in exporting or looking to establish international sales to link up with Global Victoria to investigate what support is available.”
Quote attributable to Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Paul Guerra
“Today’s award winners are a fantastic example of Victorian entrepreneurship and demonstrate how disruption can lead to innovation and opportunity in the global marketplace.”
Reviewed 25 November 2020