Search For Markets “Not So Easy” For Japanese

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28821, 16 February 1959, Page 12

Search For Markets “Not So Easy” For Japanese

New Zealand’s import restrictions made it “not so easy’’ to find markets for Japanese manufactured goods in the Dominion, said Mr Yoshio Ichikawa, a member of. the Tokyo Metropolitan Trade Mission, who arrived in Christchurch yesterday with four other members of the mission. The mission is visiting New Zealand’s main centres engaged on a market survey—exploring possible markets Lor manufactured goods from Japan, and investigating New Zealand-made products that might sell in Japan. The only Japanese products he had found that licences might be available for were textile materials, said Mr Ichikawa. “We could supply you with all sorts of manufactured goods, anything you want—binocular, cameras, glassware, toys, stationery, fancy goods, and softgoods—but there are no licences available,” he said. "Our prices would be quite com-

petitive with those of other countries you import from, and the goods would be of very commendable quality,” Mr Ichikawa said. “We have been receiving a verygood reputation for these goods all over the world." Although Japan imported a good deal of wool, scrap iron, eoaL and other raw materials from New Zealand, the mission had not so far found any manufactured good* in New Zealand in which a big trade could spring up with Japan.said Mr Ichikawa. One item, however, which halt particularly taken his fancy, and) which he thought could sell well in Japan was New Zealand's allwool travelling rugs. Their quality was good, their design* - attractive, and the prices "vety: reasonable" compared with th< prices for similar articles m Japan. Members of the trade mission will spend four days in Christchurch. and during that/ime hope to be able to visit factories making manufactured goods in the city. This evening, a reception has been arranged for them by the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce.