TRADE WITH EAST

Hokitika Guardian, 2 August 1932, Page 6

TRADE WITH EAST

GOOD MARKET FOR N.Z. EXPORTS MINISTER’S STATEMENT. WELLINGTON, July 31. New Zealand’s primary products ay cl manufactured goods' may both find good markets in the Far East if the exporteis care to push for business there, declared the Hon. R. Masters, Minister of Industries and Commerce, in a statement yesterday. “Unfortunately,'’ said the Minister, “New Zealand does not seem to have appreciated the demand which undoubtedly exists for goods which wo can produce, whilst other countries have been quick to see the possibilities) of extending their markets and are now doing considerable trade, with the. East. For my part, I am making every effort to impress this all-impor-tant question upon those concerned, and recently circularised the Chambers, of Commerce, Manufacturers’ Associations, the Produce Boards and business people generally throughout the Dominion in the matter. NEW ZEALAND LEFT BEHIND.. “The extent to which New Zealand is being left behind in the Eastern mprivets is made strikingly apparent by figures showing imports into Hong Kong and China. In these two places alone there is a substantial. demand for commodities which we can supply, but New Zealand’s proportion of the trade is lamentably small. Of course, •it is realised that shipping facilities present difficulties, but the Government has been in communication: with the New Zealand agents of Osaka Shosen Kaisha with a view to obtaining direct sliipriient, and as a result 1 have been advised that, providing sufficient cargo is offering, it is possible that this line may be induced to call regularly at Hong Kong and (or) Shanghai in the future on’ the outward voyage from Japan, thus affording direct- shipment for New Zealand exporters. Naturally the success of the Governinent’s efforts in this direction are dependent largely ; upon the support given by local exporters. I feel we can reasonably call upon the various Produce Boards who are responsible for the marketing of our primary produce to co-operate and assist the Government in its endeavour to provide the desired shipping facilities for the development of this trade 1