Expansion Of N.Z. Trade With Australia Urged

Press, Volume C, Issue 29588, 10 August 1961, Page 7

Expansion Of N.Z. Trade With Australia Urged

(Hew Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, August 9. A real effort to expand reciprocal trade between New .Zealand and Australia was urged today by. the Prime '.l.mster (Mr Holyoake) in an address to the Australian Association today. ■There is enough doubt about the outcome of the present situation in Europe-* with all the implications of the European Economic Community—to make it absolutely necessary for relations between Australia and New Zealand to be developed and strengthened as much as possible,” he said. The principal difficulty in the way of establishing more soundly-based trade links with Australia was the fact that both concentrated on producing much the same products for export. ’‘However, if developments in Europe result in New Zealand's export trade being substantially affected, there can be no doubt that imports from Australia at their present rate could not be maintained and this would be serious for both Australia and New Zealand,” he said. “Our imports could not be maintained unless there was to be an expansion of exports to Australia, “In other words, there would have to be a greater attempt by both sides to expand reciprocal trade. “If full use was made of the natural advantages for production and specialisation which each country has developed, I think trade between our two countries could expand at a rate, and' in commodities, which would surprise many of us. “Such policies could involve certain sacrifices for both countries. “For example, Australian dairy farmers might not be anxious to see an increase in imports of New Zealand dairy produce. “But this does not mean that such policies should be ruled out”

Mr Holyoake said the New Zealand Government had, by ti?e formation pt a joint consultative committee on trade, made a start towards creating greater opportunities in the trade field. Economic co-operation between Australia and New Zealand must proceed with careful forethought. Great imagination, energy and initiative would have to be used in thinking out new ways of furthering this co-operation. Trade Talks In September (NX Press Association) WELLINGTON. August 9. The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) said today that he had invited the Australian Prime Minister (Mr Menzies) to come to New Zealand “for talks to clarify our approach to common problems,” but Mr Menzies was unable to accept. Australian officers would visit Wellington in September for trade talks, Mr Holyoake said.