NEW ZEALAND AND WORLD TRADE

Chronicle (Levin), 2 April 1946, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND AND WORLD TRADE

-Press Association

^ VIEWPOINT OF CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

By Telegraph-

WELLINGTON, April 1. In view of the fortheomiug world trade confefenees, the Prime Minister (Kt. Hon. P. Fraser) invited the Assoeiated Ohambers of Commerce to indicate its opinions on the matter, and in a letter dcspatched to Mr. Fraser the following points were made as representing the views of the Assoeiated Chambers. 1. New Zealand is more vitally concerned with the United Kingdom market than is any other component of the British Empire. Of New Zealand exports 84 per cent. go to the United Kingdom, of Australian 56 per cent., of Canadian 39 per cent., of South African 38 per cent., of Indian 34 per cent. Tliese figures mean: (a) New Zealand is in a different category not only from the other nations at large but aJso from other countries withiu the British Empire in her almost complete dependen.ee on the United Kingdom niarket and ( 0) that, in consequence of the maintenauce of this country 's export market in such a manner and at such a levei as is at present provided by the Ottawa Agreement, preference is of the greatest importance to New Zealand. 2. In view of the forcgoing, it is the opinion of Assoeiated Chambers of Commerce that no steps should be talcen which would in any way adversely affcct the assured market New Zealand has in the United Kingdom at remunerative prices tor the whole of its exports under the Ottawa Agreement. 3. We would draw speeial attention td %Clause 9 of the Ottawa Agreement, whic& states : "His Majesty's Government in New Zealand undertakes that protection by tariff shall be afforded only to those industries which are reasonably assured of sound opportunities for suecess." Iu our view, fuli honouring of this clause is not practicable under the present import eontrol system operating in the Dominion. 4. We urge: (a) That the presentatives of farming and manufacturing who are to accompany the New Zealand delegation to the trade conferences should be given official status on the delegation and (b) that a representative of importing be included in the delegation, also with official status.