Originally, it was a purely Hong Kong affair but the prestigious annual ANZ Australian Business Awards are reaching out to the mainland this year to reflect the SAR's historic new status as part of China.
Nominations for the scheme recognising Australia's brightest and most successful trail-blazing companies have been received from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
The awards, organised since 1993 by the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, have previously included Australian companies making their mark on the mainland.
'But this is the first year our scheme is being co-promoted by the three Australian chambers of commerce in China,' AustCham's general manager, Michelle Gray, said.
'It means we have more China entries this year, which is a positive step.' A record 66 entries - including 20 from the mainland - were received this year.
The contest aims to 'recognise, promote and reward Australian companies that have shown excellence, innovation and entrepreneurial skill in Greater China'.
Last weekend, they were shortlisted by a panel of judges to 13 finalists in the four categories - for business excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, innovation and promotion.
