TRADE WITH W. AFRICA

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29728, 23 January 1962, Page 16

TRADE WITH W. AFRICA

Commissioner In Christchurch

Before he leaves for Accra by way of London next month Mr J. B. McGuire, who has been appointed Trade Commissioner for Ghana and Nigeria, is touring New Zealand to meet members of the Department of Industries and Commerce and businessmen in connexion with his efforts to increase trade with those countries. Mr McGuire arrived in Christchurch, from Nelson and will spend three days here. Mr McGuire will be New Zealand’s first permanent trade representative in Africa, and though his particular sphere of interest wi'l be the vast territory of Nigeria and Ghana, he will be prepared to investigate possibilities for trade in any of the neighbouring West African countries.

“People who have been there always report that they •’nd West Africa most interesting,” said Mr McGuire, last evening, commenting . i the fact that the area was not well known in New Zealand. "The whole purpose of this mission is to see where it is possible to increase New Zealand’s trade," he said. Direct Shipping At present, New Zealand imports cocoa and timber—plywood and a small volume of timber for exterior joinery on buildings—and exports lamb and dairy produce—mainly butter —to these countries. An unknown quantity of New Zealand produce goes to West Africa by way of Britain. Direct shipping services have now been established and ships sailing between Britain and New Zealand call at ports there at 10-week intervals. “I am here to find the extent of interest, the awareness of the shipping service, and to see whether people are as keen as I am to do something about it,” said Mr McGuire. “The meat interests are already pursuing this trade.”

Part of Mr McGuire’s job will be to supply information about local customs, habits and living conditions which might affect the selling of produce. He will next visit Dunedin and Invercargill, tour the North Island and leave for London and Accra with his wife and son on February 16.

It is his third posting abroad. Mr McGuire spent six years as trade commissioner in Bombay and four years in Sydney.