A total of 36 companies across 13 categories have been named as finalists in the Premier of Queensland's Export Awards 2021.
Premier and Minister for Trade Annastacia Palaszczuk said this year we received more applications that any other state or territory for their export awards programs.
"Our export awards couldn't go ahead last year due to the global pandemic so to have 160 businesses apply this year is just fantastic," the Premier said.
"Our export businesses are critical to our economic recovery and our regions.
"They support one in five Queensland jobs, with about 40 per cent of the 7,473 goods exports based in regional Queensland.
"They've also risen to the challenges of COVID by diversifying into new markets, developing new products and strengthening relationships with customers in some of the toughest of times.
"Our judges really had their work cut out for them to choose finalists, and some great exporters just missed out.
"Every business that entered should be proud of their achievements regardless of whether they were named a finalist or not.
"I'm proud of what all our exporters achieve every day. The awards are an acknowledgment and celebration of those achievements and a reminder that exports are vital to the Queensland economy."
Winners in each of the 13 award categories go in the running to be named Queensland Exporter of the Year. They also gain automatic entry to the Australian Export & Investment Awards, held by Austrade in November.
The reigning Australian Exporter of the Year is Brisbane-based global design firm Populous.
