TWO-WAY TRADE

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20491, 6 May 1938, Page 12

TWO-WAY TRADE

SWISS ARRANGEMENT APPLE QUOTA APPROVED MOST-FA VOL RED-NATION PACT (By Telefripu.—Press Association) WELLINGTON. Thursday. Notice Is given in the Gazette tonight of the conclusion of a trade arrangement between New Zealand and Switzerland. The arrangement, which became effective to-day. takes the form of an exchange of notes between ttie - Nash, and the acting-Consul of Switzerland in New* Zealand, hr W. Schmid. Trade relations betwreen New* Zealand and Switzerland had always been most cordial, said Mr Nash to-night. I nfortunately the balance of trade between the two countries as recorded In official statistics was largely in favour of Switzerland, and it was with a view primaril> to inrreasinz the volume of the Dominion’s export trade with Switzerland that the arrangement had been entered into. ** Imports into New Zealand of Swiss goods during 1M7," the Minister continued, "amounted to £180.943, tho principal items of which were watches £50,300, drapery £21,601*. and silk pieeegoods £15.300. fin the oilier hand direct exports from New Zealand to Switzerland amounted to only £533. Dairy Produce Wot Wanted “ It K known, however, that quantities of the Dominion's produce, principally wool, hides and fruit, reach >witzerland through intermediate counties. While specific Information as to the total volume of this trade Is not available ft Is estimated it amounts to approximately £30.000 yearly. “ Switzerland Is a very* small Importer of meat and in view of her own dairy industry she does not offer a market for dairy products. ghe Is a large producer of apples, but requires to Import considerable quantities during the period when domestic supplies are not available and it is in respect of this product that New Zealand hopes to secure a considerable increase in trade. Other classes of ffoods which may offer limited non »r----tunitles for trade are honey, c »sci.i, phormium tenax and kauri gum.” Terms of Arrangement The principal terms of the arrangement are as follows: a) Switzerland shall guarantee to New Zealand a quota for apples and poars to the extent of 1300 metric f ons approximately 15.000 bushel case-i per annum. The quota granted | n 11)31 amounted to 422 metric tons approximately 19,360 bushel cases (b) Switzerland undertakes to receive with goodwill and give consideration to any requests made by New Zealand for a grant of quotas in respect of other classes of goods which are subject to import restriction. e) Switzerland undertakes to accord to New Zealand products most-favoured-nation treatment in all matters concerning customs duties or "fher charges payable in respect of imported goods. Import Concessions fd) New Zealand undertakes to aceord most-favoured-nation treatment •• Swiss products, included in the following tariff items and to receive with loodwill and give consideration to any •equests which may be made by Switzerland for the grant of similar reatment in respect of other classes >f goods:— Item No. 121. (1) Medicinal preparations. 143-—Braids and bindings. 203.—Leather manufactures, n.e.t. 231.—Clocks. 2 47. (4> Pianos, organs and similar Instruments; (5) musical instruments, n.e.l. 254.—Photographic cameras. 235.—Photographic goods n.e.l. 338. (1) to 8; and (10), machinery. machine tools and appliances. 352.—Machinery and appliances for use in Industrial processesEz. 358. (1) Field glasses. 351. (2) and 6). metals. 382. (1) to l 6). pipes and tubing.

As a result of the arrangement Swiss goods Included In the Items mentioned will be admitted at the rates of duty provided for under the trade agreements with Belgium and Germany. ** The arrangement provides further evidence of the manifestation of the Government’s policy to find and develop markets for the Dominion's produce,” said Mr Nash.