Exporters, investors and international traders are being urged to speak up and have their stories heard.

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) will run an online program to replace this year’s Australian Export and Investment Awards.

The initiative will highlight small and medium-sized exporters that have adapted to the challenges of 2020 in creative and inspiring ways.

Submissions deadline is 25 October, 2020.

Meanwhile, international traders are being encouraged to take part in a national survey and have their voice heard by government.

ACCI has teamed up with the University of South Australia to conduct the 2020 International Trade Survey.

Now in its 5th year, the survey aims to understand the issues and challenges facing international traders.

The survey is used to strengthen the Chamber movement’s advocacy on trade matters and inform the government on policymaking.

It has contributed to advocacy that resulted in the Federal Government allocating funds to promote and educate business on the use of free trade agreements, while also contributing to the parliament undertaking an inquiry into business utilisation of free trade agreements.

The survey will be running until 6 November, 2020.