Exports To S.-E. Asia Urged

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30715, 2 April 1965, Page 1

Exports To S.-E. Asia Urged

New Zealand manufacturers were advised to “have a go” at getting a greater share of the Southeast Asian trade market by the New Zealand Trade Commissioner for Singapore (Mr C. A. Paul) in Christchurch yesterday. He said Singapore, the main trading port for Southeast Asia, was a big market and a tough one. Prices had to be competitive and quality was important. But he saw no reason why New Zealand manufacturers could not offer quality goods in overseas markets which could compete with those from other sources. At an informal reception to

him given by council members of the Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association, and members of the trade mission which visited South-east Asia, Mr Paul said it was a little early yet (five months) to expect any major increase of exports to Singapore from the Dominion.

“These things take time. A number of agencies have been developed and contacts have been established with local companies prepared to handle your goods,” he said.

Mr Paul said the confrontation with Indonesia, the rioting and recent troubles, had had an effect on Singapore’s economy. Yet In spite of the confrontation, and the loss of total entrepot trade with Indonesia, Singapore had an appearance of vitality which belied the fact that Malaysia was basically' at war.

Because of the emergency footing on which Malaysia and Singapore were now placed the economies of both had been affected. The result

was that in 1964 the total import figure from all sources had been reduced quite substantially.

300 p.e. Rise

Mr Paul said there was a growing awareness of New Zealand as a source of supply in Singapore. As an example, he said, in 1962 the Dominion's share of the market was .17 per cent. For 1964, and on his own estimates, the Dominion sent more (.54 per cent) in spite of the cut in total imports. This represented an Increase of about 300 per cent in that period, which, if it could be maintained, would be a very good achievement. Mr Paul said the sort of things New Zealand had to offer did not always lend themselves for consumption in Singapore. He referred to scoured wool and yarn in particular. Yet, he added, there was some opportunity for certain woollen goods. Because of the confrontation issue, Singapore had

adopted a policy of industrialisation. He suggested New Zealand manufacturers might contribute to these endeavours by supplying machinery or partially-completed products for the developing light industries.

“I feel we in New Zealand have the opportunity to help Singapore and this help could be to the mutual benefit of both countries," he said. Promotion Praised

Mr Paul praised the manner in which the New Zealand trade mission tackled its promotional job five months ago. He said he had seen trade missions from other countries visit Singapore. While some of the New Zealand mission paid official calls, the rest got down to the job of work with a will and a purpose. Mr Paul was welcomed to the informal meeting by Ihe vice-president of the Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association (Mr C. W. Mace), and by Mr R. H. Stewart, on behalf of the trade mission.