America Looks to New Zealand

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 112, 2 August 1927, Page 16

America Looks to New Zealand

TRADE DEVELOPMENT NEW COMMISSIONER ARRIVES “The United States has come to look upon New Zealand as a vital factor in the commercial world to-day.” CO says Mr. Julian Foster, who ar- ° rived yesterday to take up his duties as the first Trade Commissioner for the United States, appointed to the Dominion. After extensive service with the U.S. Department of Commerce in Europe and New York, Mr. Foster went to Australia, where he has been for over two years. His appointment to New Zealand is said to be indicative not merely of the desire of the United States Government to widen and foster its trade with the Dominion, but to encourage Dominion exporters to place products in America. "The United States Department of Commerce had inquiries from all over the country regarding New Zealand products, more especially sausage skins, hides and wool,” says Mr. Foster. Recently there had been inquiries regarding the export of coal to the west coast. Though Mr. Foster will have his headquarters in Wellington, he will keep In touch with all parts of the Dominion. He will assist any reliable New Zealand business man intending to visit the United States to secure introductions to American industrial organisations. Any New Zealand commercial houses will gladly be supplied with information regarding American industries or the possibility of securing American agencies. STATISTICS OF THE TRADE The Secretary for the Department of Industries and Commerce stated that the latest published statistics for the twelve months ended June, 1927, showed the value of our exports to the United States was approximately three million sterling (same period 1926, £3,733,000), and that our imports were valued at £9,445,000 (practically the same total as for 1926). The balance of trade was very much in favour of the United States. If the new service could assist in increasing our connections for wool, hides and pelts, sausage casings, flax, seeds, kauri gum and butter, which at present form the main items of export, the disparity might soon be reduced.