Trade Development

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28536, 15 March 1958, Page 10

Trade Development

This leads me to the reflection that trade between New Zealand and Malaya could be developed far beyond its present extent. Undoubtedly there are markets in Malaya for New Zealand producers, and Singapore is a clearing house for trade in East Asia generally. Moreover, Malaya and other Asian countries have goods they could supply to New Zealand. There is need for a bold and sustained policy from New Zealand producers. One would like to- have a strong, representative trade mission from New Zealand visit Malaya. There are other ways in which relationships between the two countries could be strengthened. Already a sizeable number of young people from Malaya are studying at New Zealand universities. The number should be increased. It would be to mutual advantage if temporary exchanges could be arranged between university and secondary-school teachers. A goodwill tour by a Parliamentary delegation would be helpful. Nor should the possibility of exchange visits by sporting teams to be overlooked. In Malaya they play Rugby, soccer, hockey and cricket (in temperatures which make the newcomer wilt). In badminton they are in world championship class. On the day of our departure from this lovely and fascinating country, it was good to find the “Straits Times” giving prominence to the approaching visit of the Prime Minister of New Zealand (Mr Nash) and to read Tf an announcement from Wellington that Mr Nash intended to invite the head of the Malayan Government to visit New Zealand.