TRADE WITH THE EAST

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 52, Issue 247, 1 August 1932, Page 7

TRADE WITH THE EAST

MARKET FOR PRODUCE. OPENING FOR NEW ZEALAND. (Special to the “Guardian ”) WELLINGTON, July 30. In a statement to-day in reference to trade with the East, the Minister of Industries and Commerce (the Hon. It. Masters) said that it was beyond all doubt that there was a considerable market in that locality for both primary products and manufactured articles. “Unfortunately,” said the Minister, “New Zealand does not seem to have appreciated the demand which undoubedly exists for goods which we 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-import-ant question upon those concerned, and recently circularised the Chambers bf 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 markets is made strikingly apparent by figures showing imports into HongKong 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 shipment, and as a result I have been advised that, providing sufficient cargo is offering, it is possible that this line may he 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 Government’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 tlie desired shipping facilities for the development of this trade. An Opportunity. “It is also interesting to learn that the British Chamber of Commerce at Hong Kong is arranging to hold an exhibition of Australian products next November, and that this exhibition will display all types of goods suitable for Eastern markets. It is probable that the Government would be able to arrange with the British Chamber of Commerce at Hong Kong for the exhibition to include New Zealand products as well as Australian. This would' be a splendid opportunity for New Zealand.

“It may not be generally known that the Department of Industries and Commerce has honorary agents in Tientsin and Shanghai, and any information which can bo obtained fvorn them which will interest business people will be readily made available. “The importance of our obtaining a greater shave of these markets cannon be too greatly stressed. The position of the British market, to which we sent 88 per cent, of our produce last year, is well known, and with increasing competition from the Argentine, Denmark and other countries, the question is, can New Zealand afford to stand idle whilst other countries grasp the opportunities which now lie to our hand?”

The figures quoted by the Minister show that the total imports into Hong Kong in the year 1931 amounted to £39,900,000. Australia’s share amounted to £340,000, and New Zealand contributed £14,1.65. The approximate value of exports from Hong Kong to Australia for the year 1931 amounted to £86,000, and to New Zealand £2542. The total imports into China in 1929 (the latest year for which figures are available) amounted to £169,841,806. Australia in 1930-31 contributed £3.342,988 and New Zealand £17,625. The value of imports into Australia from China was £347,645, and into New Zealand £82,257.