N.Z. EXPORTERS “MUST GO OUT AND SELL”

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28362, 22 August 1957, Page 18

N.Z. EXPORTERS “MUST GO OUT AND SELL”

(From Out Own Reporter j

WELLINGTON, August 21. New Zealand manufacturers and exporters must go out and sell their produce in other countries, notably in Australia; they can not expect the Government’s representatives to do this sort of job for them: This is the opinion of Mr G. H. Bacon, 1 leader of the Australian trade mission to New Zealand and an executive director of Australian National Industries. Ltd.

Asked this afternoon how New Zealand could improve the present adverse balance of trade with Australia, he said: “I do not- think any manufacturer can afford to sit back and let the Government sell his goods for him. If you have not the determination to go out and sell, then you should not complain about results.”

Mr Bacon heads a trade mission of 20 Australian businessmen, including bankers, makers of heavy machinery and electrical, agricultural and automotive equipment, plastics, textiles and chemicals. The mission is part of a new Australian policy, put into action after Australia formed a special Department of Trade in February, 1956. By this, the Government offers support for missions by private firms to sell overseas. Asked about the efficiency of this, Mr Bacon said that in 195556, while the previous system was in operation, Australia imported goods worth £821,000,000 and exported goods worth only £781,000,000. Last year, imports dropped to £718,000.000, while exports went up to £994,000,000. Producer Knows Goods “The only way to adjust any balance of trade is to go out and sell,” said Mr Bacon. “It is up to the producer, the manufacturer to sell his goods personally. After all, he is the one who knows their merits.” Of the Australia and New Zealand trade agreement last year, Mr Bacon said that he. did not think one country had benefited more than the other. “If it comes down to it, I think you have benefited more than we have.” Asked about the agreement which Australia had concluded with Japan, Mr Bacon said: “We have to have trade. We have a late enemy who is coming up. We do not fear the manufacturers of other countries. We feel that though they might make cheaper goods, we can certainly make better.” Timber Sales Commenting on the fall of sales Df New Zealand timber in Australia, in the last financial year by 7,500,000 board feet on the record figure for the previous year, Mr Bacon said: "Timber is one item an which the market is free and competitive. There is no import restriction at all. We want tim- ;

i>er. Providing your prices and quality are right we will buy.” However, there had been a big slump in the Australian building trade. It was picking up steadily, but was still in the doldrums.

“It is this credit squeeze,” said Mr Bacon. “We have been going through a period of credit restriction, as you have. But there is still a great need for houses. It is a continuing need, and will not be satisfied for some years to come.”