Entries for the 10th anniversary of the Hong Kong-Australia Business Association (HKABA) NSW Chapter's Business Awards increased by 50 percent, making this year more competitive than past awards, according to Belinda Wong, chairman of the 2009 Business Awards Organising Committee. The awards recognise NSW companies that excel in all aspects of international trade between NSW and Hong Kong. Presented at the Hilton Hotel at a ceremony on Friday night, the awards were given to the following businesses:

• Export of Goods: AUNEW
• Export of Services: Global Experience
• Import of Goods: Bay Bee Cino
• Import of Services: KVB Kunlun
• Creative SME: Hong Kong Dim Sim Kitchen
• Contribution to Industry: Master Builders Association-NSW
• Grand Award: Master Builders Association-NSW

"We were greatly impressed by the high standards and enthusiasm of the entrants in this year’s competition and warmly congratulate all entrants," said Wong. "We had an increase of entrants by 50 percent. This is an outstanding result which reflects the fact that our Business Awards is a popular platform being used for local SMEs for recognition and publicity." Judging criteria included an entrant's professional approach to business practice, their standard of marketing strategies, level of innovation, creativity and proportion of import/export turnover.