TRADE WITH THE EAST.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20256, 27 July 1937, Page 6

TRADE WITH THE EAST.

The Secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce, in a foreward to the latest Trade Bulletin, draws attention to the provision of shipping facilities between the Dominion and the Far East. There are now three direct lines operating, one with Japan, one with the Dutch possessions and adjacent territories, and one with India via the East Indies. He does not say whether they all are in a position to handle foodstuffs that would require cool storage en route, but there are other items of trade that may find a market. For several years the absence of regular means of communication has hampered the development of trade, and Australia has enjoyed almost the sole possession of markets that the Dominion could well supply and for a share of which a reasonable claim could be made. Last year the adverse balance of our trade with the Dutch East Indies was put down at £1,720,000, a figure only exceeded by one foreign country. Doubtless the extent of the markets found here for Eastern goods was a factor in inducing the shipping companies to provide a regular service, but it also opens opportunity for a larger measure of reciprocal trade, and, in view of the official figures, the Dominion could reasonably ask for concessions. “The facilities which these direct services offer to exporters and importers,” states the Secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce in his foreword, “ cannot be overstated, and it is confidently hoped that full advantage will be taken by New Zealand traders of the opportunities offered in expanding their markets.” Lack of suitable shipping has been a great handicap, and now that it has been removed the widening of overseas markets, so strongly advocated by the Government, becomes possible. It affords an opportunity for combined effort by the State, in endeavouring to secure favourable conditions for trade, and private enterprise in meeting as far as possible the requirements of consumers in that part of the world.