The achievements of Australian exporters will be showcased at a major event in Melbourne on Friday when Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb announces the winners of this year’s Australian Export Awards.

“I congratulate all 74 finalists in this year’s awards; they range from family-owned businesses to large listed corporations, with nearly 60 per cent classified as SME’s,” Mr Robb said.

The finalists come from across Australia and export a diverse range of products, from baby essentials, to vitamins, compliance software, and design services to catamarans and electric skateboards.

In 2014-2015 they generated nearly $2 billion in export sales and employed more than 16,500 people.

“Our new free trade agreements with China, Japan and Korea, – as well as the transformational Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement – provide unprecedented market access for our exporters to take advantage of,” Mr Robb said.

“More than half of this year’s national finalists identified at least one of the new FTA markets as a key export destination for their goods and services.

“These agreements are also unlocking opportunities for new exporters seeking markets offshore, helping generate jobs and growth in communities across the country.”

The Australian Export Awards is one of the nation’s longest running business awards programs, with 12 industry categories recognising excellence in diverse fields including agribusiness, education, health, creative industries and business services.

The Australian Export Awards are co-presented by Austrade, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and CPA Australia.

The national finalists are the category winners in their state or territory export awards program.