Govt. Aware Of Sales Problem

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30847, 4 September 1965, Page 1

Govt. Aware Of Sales Problem

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, Sept. 3. The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) said today the Government was well aware of the need to increase exports of New Zealand meat to Europe and had been making “serious and successful” efforts toward that end.

Mr Holyoake was commenting on a report from the London office of the Meat Board that the New Zealand Government should do more to increase meat exports to Eu-ope. New Zealand representation in Europe had been steadily increased, the Prime Minister said. A trade commission had been established in Athens last year and had opened new prospects in Greece and neighbouring areas. “Through these and other channels the Government is in continuous contact with European countries which are potential buyers of increased New Zealand exports,” Mr Holyoake said.

“New Zealand also participates in trade fairs and other export promotional activity in a number of European countries. “As a result of these efforts New Zealand meat exports to Western Europe increased more than threefold in value between 1962-63 and 1963-64, and figures for the 1964-65

year show a further significant increase.” The Prime Minister said the Government was fully conscious of the need to improve these figures. It was at present considering the possibility of extending New Zealand representation in Europe. “It must be realised, however, that new offices overseas and other forms of export promotion create a heavy demand on our resources and trained staff, and proposals for a rapid increase in our activity in these directions must be weighed carefully against other priorities." Mr Holyoake said it also should be realised that markets, in Europe for New Zealand meat were severely limited by quotas and other trade restrictions. “In countries where we feel these restraints are unduly restrictive, constant negotiations aimed at a relaxation for our exports are being held with the appro’ riate overseas authorities,” the Prime Minister said.