EYES EAST

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 72, 22 September 1930, Page 8

EYES EAST

AUSTRALIAN TRADE

VITAL MOVE

(From "The Post's" Reprmntativa.) SYDNEY, 10 th September. ■ In its search for new markets, Australia is turning its eyes East, particularly to China. With this object in view, a conference was opened recently to consider plans that would provide for a reduction of freights between Australian and Eastern ports. Other matters set down for discussion were refrigerated accommodation, organisation of selling and buying, packing; grading and labelling of products, publicity, and' the appointment of a trade commissioner. . .

The Minister for Markets (My. Parker Moloney) was responsible for the calling of the conference, which is being attended by the representatives [of shipping companies and of the producers in all the States. The Minister emphasised that it was the desire of the Government to do everything possible to increase the export trade. The Bast offered a great and favourable market. Pointing out that Australian exporters were greatly handicapped by high freights, he suggested that the shipping companies would be able to reduce these if shippers could combine to provide larger cargoes at regular intervals. As an example of Australia's freight handicap, he quoted the rate to Singipore, which, he said, was 130s a ton, compared with 100s a ton from California.

All the speakers -who followed the Minister at the opening of the eonfer- | ence stressed the fact that lower freights were necessary if Australia was to successfully compete with America in the Eastern markets. They discussed the possibilities of shippers being able to give guarantees that would ensure a reduction in tho freight rates. It is pointed out that Australia is specially adapted, both geographically and climatically, to supply China with a large proportion of her food requirements. Shanghai itself, with its population of 3,000,000, is an important market. At one time there was a regular steamer service between Australian ports and Shanghai. This was interrupted by the war, and no attempt has since been made to restore it.

Mr. Moloney says that contrary to the general belief Australia has already done a very substantial trade with the Eastern countries. During the past three years the total trade with the combined Eastern countries amounted to more than £130,000,000. Australia during 1928-29 imported from the East goods valued at more than £21,750,000, leaving a balance in Australia's favour in that year of nearly £5,000,000. During the past three years Australia's trade positon had been well maintained, particularly in wool, wheat, flour, butter, other miTty. prp&Mts, and meat.