Celebrating excellence in business
Monday 20 October 2008
The Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs, Laurie Ferguson, tonight congratulated the winners of business awards which recognise successful trading links between Australia and Hong Kong SAR/China.
Mr Ferguson was a guest at the Hong Kong – Australia Business Association (HKABA) NSW Business Awards, which have been staged for the past nine years and have become a highlight of Sydney’s business and multicultural calendar.
‘These awards not only provide recognition and incentive to NSW individuals and companies, but are a testament to Australia’s migration program and underlying multicultural framework,’ Mr Ferguson said.
This year’s grand prize winner was shipping agent CDS Overseas Pty Ltd with other awards going to telecommunications provider Pacnet, gift supplier Global Gift Sourcing, wine exporter Inland Trading Co (Aust), property and construction consultancy Page Kirkland Group and Asian food importer Miracle Supermarkets Pty Ltd.
‘I congratulate all winners of these prestigious awards,’ Mr Ferguson said.
‘They come from diverse industries and show the various fields of expertise which have grown from the links between Australia and Hong Kong SAR/China.’
More than 63 000 people from 34 Asian countries made Australia their new home during 2007-08. Almost 6000 of those came from Hong Kong SAR/China and settled in NSW in that period.
‘At the heart of all migration numbers is the core belief that we are enriching Australia as a nation and that people from around the world are contributing to Australian society and its economic advancement,’ Mr Ferguson said.
‘Through our overseas-born citizens, Australia gains not only international attitudes and experience but many benefits such as bilingual skills, an educated and skilled workforce, cultural ‘know-how’ and contacts that facilitate international trade, entrepreneurial activities and technological and artistic creativity.’Media Contact: Sarah Gestier-Garstang - 0432 283 020
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2008/lf08062.htm
Last update: 20 October 2008 at 10:07 AEST