Nominations have opened for the 18th Australia China Business Awards which will this year be held for the first time in Shanghai.

Now in its 18th year – the annual AustCham Westpac Australia-China Business Awards ACBA:2010 – will be held for the first time in Shanghai. The Awards are a celebration of Australian companies and Australian business excellence across Greater China. They are jointly organised by the Australian Chambers of Commerce in Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong and Macau, and supported by the Australian Trade Commission.

Christopher Wright, Austrade’s Senior Trade Commissioner in Shanghai and Chair of the ACBA: 2010 judging panel says all Australian companies operating in Greater China should consider nominating for this year’s awards.

"Who are Australia’s number one companies driving the growth in trade and investment here? Nominating for the Australia China Business Awards is one way to put your company slap bang at the focal point of attention on this extraordinary story,” Mr Wright says.

Frank Li, from Shanghai's Just Beer and the winner of last year's ACBA: 2009 Austrade Business Promotion Award, says participating in last year's awards, has contributed to continued exposure for the business.

"Our success at the prestigious awards have definitely pushed us out there in front of the media,” Mr Li says.

Nominations are now open to businesses operating in Greater China, including Hong Kong and Macau, with an Australian business connection.

AWARD CATEGORIES INCLUDE:

Business Excellence Award (Large) for an Australian business (> 100 employees) that has demonstrated the most outstanding performance in Greater China in 2010.

Business Excellence Award (SMEs) for an Australian business (< 100 employees) that has demonstrated the most outstanding performance in Greater China in 2010.

Business Entrepreneurial Award for an Australian business (> 50 employees) that has demonstrated entrepreneurial excellence in Greater China in 2010.

Business Innovation Award for an Australian business that has been innovative in developing opportunities in Greater China in 2010.

Sustainable Development Award for an Australian business successfully implementing sustainable development programs and processes in Greater China in 2010.

Business Promotion Award for a local business that has shown excellence in promoting or marketing an Australian product or service in Greater China in 2010.
To read a profile on Just Beer, the winner of the 2009 Business Promotion Award, click here.

People’s Choice Award recognises one of the finalists for contributing the most to Australian business in Greater China in 2010.

Nominations close on August 31.

Winners will be announced at a Gala Awards Ceremony in Shanghai on November 11. ■

To read more about Just Beer, click here.

For more information on the ACBA:2010 or to nominate, visit: www.austchamchina.com

* Picture: Winners of the ACBA 2009: Business Excellence Award (Large): ANZ , People's Choice Award: EIC Group Ltd, Business Excellence Award (SMEs): Spaceframe, Business Entrepreneurial Award: Galaxy Resources, Austrade Business Promotion Award: Just Beer, Business Innovation Award: CSL Limited, Sustainable Development Award: Sino Gold