Courier to USA firm FedEx has hailed the ability of free trade to create jobs, drive economic growth and improve society.

At the 2010 North American Junior Achievement Company of the Year Competition the firm has just awarded its FedEx Access Award to The Green Dream, an enterprise run by students.

The students managed to successfully market t-shirts by way of an eco-friendly trade expo.

A FedEx jury said the team came up with the best business plan that had the potential to create jobs, expand global development and help the environment.

The FedEx Access scheme helps young people appreciate the impact of global access to growing a small or medium-sized enterprise, explained the firm's chairman Frederick W Smith.

He said:"When you give people access to more products and goods around the world, the pie expands and people's living standards increase."

FedEx was recently honoured with an award of its own, its Memphis worldwide shipping hub winning the Best Global Cargo Hub title at the latest UK Institute of Transport Management Awards.