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Lightning Ridge company, Absolute Opals and Gems Pty Ltd has received an Export Marketing Development Grant (EMDG) of $60,586 in recognition of its export endeavours, Member for Gwydir and Deputy Prime Minister, John Anderson, announced last Monday. “I’m delighted to hear that Absolute Opals and Gems has received this grant which will go towards further developing their business overseas,” Mr Anderson said.
“Exports are vital to our national prosperity and economic well-being. More than 1.7 million Australian jobs are dependent on exports, or one-in-five jobs, and in regional Australia that figures is one-in-four.
“Research by the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) and the University of NSW shows that exporters on average pay their staff more, offer more training and career development opportunities, and provide healthier and safer workplaces.
“As a result it is important for our exporters to receive the necessary support, such as the EMDG scheme, to grow their business which in turn directly contributes to our local community. For every grant dollar given, an additional $12 in exports is generated.”
The EMDG scheme is administered by Austrade and is the Australian Government’s principal financial assistance program for aspiring and current exporters.
Federal Trade Minister Mark Vaile recently announced that grants totalling $134.8 million were paid to 2,886 Australian companies across the country during 2000/01.
“These companies generated exports worth $4.40 billion and employed a total of 117,000 Australians,” Mr Vaile said.
“The Government strongly supports the EMDG scheme and recently legislated to extend the scheme for a further five yeas and has made a number of improvements to enhance access for small and medium sized business.”
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