Previous winners praised for feats

More than 300 guests attended last year's Awards ceremony to pay tribute to the innovation, excellence and contribution of Australia business to Greater China.

Rod Unsworth, deputy chairman, Austrade, in presented the first award and stressed the important role local companies play in supporting Australian exports to Greater China. AFAI Ships, supplier and support operators of aluminium high speed ferries, won the Business Promotion Award.

Sir Gordon Wu, chairman, Hopewell Holdings, spoke of the unique and innovative solutions Hong Kong needs to stay competitive as an international city. Sir Gordon announced the winner of the Business Innovation Award - Chadwick Technology, specialist roofing/cladding designers and subcontractors.

Michelle Garnaut, managing director of M at the Fringe (Hong Kong) and M on the Bund in Shanghai, talked about the changing face of Hong Kong and the growing Australian business presence that clearly justified recognition. The Business Entrepreneurial Award went to Beijing Jingao Kann Finch Design Group, a joint venture in the mainland with services including architecture and project management.

For this category, a special commendation went to Ausino Engineering Consultants with the third finalist, NewsAsian, narrowly missing out.

M on the Bund is a nominee for this year's entrepreneurial award.

In the final award category, A Goninan & Co, design manufacturer and maintenance services provider for railway rolling stock, won the Business Excellence Award.