Trade Mission to Australia

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28805, 28 January 1959, Page 10

Trade Mission to Australia

After a long delay caused by industrialists’ reluctance to support the idea, a New Zealand trade mission sponsored by the Government and consisting of representative businessmen will go to Australia in April. This is a highly satisfactory move in the campaign to foster increased trade between the two countries, and particularly to make that trade less like a one-way street. There are many reasons why no eSort should be spared to improve commercial relations with Australia. Among the foremost are the two countries’ proximity, relative isolation, and similarity of outlook. Ideally, the Australian and New Zealand economies ought to be complementary rather than competitive. Determined attempts by both the National Party Government and its

successor have not redressed the trade imbalance with Australia. Attempts by private enterprise could be more successful. In August, 1957, Australian businessmen, with the Federal Government’s backing, showed their initiative by sending a mission to New Zealand. It is a healthy sign that their example is now being copied by New Zealanders. Secondary industries which can compete successfully overseas are unlikely to need artificial protection for their domestic markets; and the home consumer benefits accordingly. In their search for Australian outlets, which will add to the Dominion’s overseas earnings and absorb surplus domestic production, the New Zealand delegates deserve the goodwill of their fellow-countrymen.