TRADE WITH S. AFRICA

Press, Volume C, Issue 29508, 9 May 1961, Page 16

TRADE WITH S. AFRICA

Little Effect Expected fN.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND, May 8. South Africa’s decision to leave the Commonwealith—involving loss of some trade preference—might not affect trading between the Union and New Zealand as much as most people imagined, the leader of the South African trade mission now in Auckland (Mr I. C. Fleming) said today. “We left South Africa before the Prime Ministers’ Conference in London and we haven’t yet been able to work out the real effect of the decision to leave the Commonwealth.” he said. ‘‘However, it may well be that trading between our two countries won’t be affected much.”

Mr F. W. Waring supported Mr Fleming’s comment. “Our trade is sound and solid; I don't think there will be much difference,” he said. Special Agreement

Much existing trade between the two countries was arranged under special agreement or under guarantee arrangements, Mr Fleming said. It was not expected that it would be affected by tariff changes. Mr Fleming said the mission would study the situation more closely when in Wellington this week. Mission members are seeking more trade for South African goods, making contacts with New Zealand businessmen and trade groups and helping to clear any obstacles in the way of more extensive trade between the two countries.

South Africa had appointed a trade commissioner for Australia and New Zealand, the mission said today. He would take up his post soon and will operate initially from Canberra.