Malayan Trade Minister Visiting N.Z.

Press, Volume C, Issue 29421, 25 January 1961, Page 15

Malayan Trade Minister Visiting N.Z.

(W«w Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND. Jan. 24. The Malayan Minister of Commerce and Industry arrived in Auckland by air tonight from Sydney for a short official visit to New Zealand which will include the signing of a trade agreement between Malaya and New Zealand. The Minister. Inche Mohamed Khir Bin Johari. said the proposed agreement was largely a formality. There .was already an extensive trade between New Zealand and Malaya as members of the Commonwealth. “However, we hope that we can buy much more foodstuffs from you in the near future.” the Minister said. “We buy a certain amount of meat and milk powder at present, but this trade can be increased.” As the standard of living rose in Malaya there would be an increasing demand for dairy produce and meat which New Zealand could supply. The Minister said he was also interested in buying more newsprint and pulp and paper products from New Zealand “I am going to see something of your industries while I am here,” be said. “There may be many manufactures that would interest us." New Zealand’s chief imports from Malaya were tin and rubber. “But we have other raw products which might interest you as industry expands in New Zealand.” he

said... “Particularly, we have iron ore.”

The Minister added that the proposed increased purchasing from New Zealand by Malaya would greatly help the balance of payments between the two countries. Last year New Zealand exported £330.000 worth of goods to Malaya, and bought £1,800.000 worth. The Minister is accompanied by his private secretary. Khor Kim Khooi. four officers of the Malayan Department of Commerce and Industry, and a member of Parliament from Johore. Fortnight’s Stay The party will remain in New Zealand for two weeks Before returning to Malaya it will pay an unofficial visit to Australia, where the Minister hopes to see the latest developments in manufacturing industries. The Minister wiU spend tomorrow visting industries in Auckland before beginning a tour of the country which will take in Hamilton. Rotorua, the geothermal power station at Wairakei, the Kawerau pulp and paper mill, and Christchurch. and end at Wellington. where he will have official talks with members of the Cabinet. and visit the Governor-General (Viscount Cobham). His itinerary also includes a visit to Canterbury Agricultural College and the Wanganui Jockey Club and Bay of Plenty Trotting Club meetings.