The 2008 Premier's NSW and the National Export Awards feature two new categories for exporters of services, highlighting the importance of this sector to the NSW economy.

NSW is Australia's largest exporter of services, with a 41 per cent share of the national total. NSW services exports were worth $19 billion in 2006-07.

New categories in this year's awards are large services (for companies with total annual sales of $15 million or more) and small services (for companies with sales of less than $15 million).

A new category has been included in the special NSW State awards – Innovation Export Strategy.

This award will recognise a NSW company that has made innovation an integral part of their export process. It reflects the theme of this year's awards – Foundation for Export Innovation.

At the awards launch, NSW Minister for Small Business Joe Tripodi said NSW exporters continued to add dynamism and diversity to the economy in the face of economic challenges.

"The high dollar puts pressure on many exporters to continuously innovate in order to ensure their products remain competitive," Mr Tripodi said.

"The Export Awards celebrate the innovation and enterprise of exporters who are at the vanguard of our economic development."

The Premier's NSW Export Awards are open to all NSW exporters. Award categories recognise the range of exports from the State and include agribusiness, arts and entertainment, small business, regional exporter and large advanced manufacturer.

The NSW Department of State and Regional Development sponsors two award categories – the overall NSW Exporter of the Year Award and the Regional Exporter of the Year Award.

The awards are organised by the Australian Institute of Export. Entries close on August 22, with winners to be announced a gala dinner at Star City in Sydney on October 15.

For information on how to enter the awards contact the Institute on (02) 8243 7400 or go to www.exportawards.gov.au/nsw