N.Z. ‘Triumph’ At G.A.T.T.

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31060, 16 May 1966, Page 1

N.Z. ‘Triumph’ At G.A.T.T.

, sZ Press Association) AUCKLAND, May 15. The ease with which the New Zealand-Aust-ralia trade treaty was accepted by a recent meeting of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade was a triumph for New Zealand, an Australian export consultant, Mr g. Lowe, said when he arrived at Auckland Airport yesterday. k Mr Lowe is in New Zealand as guest speaker at the Government export seminar. “The New Zealand Government officials are to be congratulated on the veiy smooth passage accorded to the trade pact in Geneva,” he said. “Many observers thought

that there would be wide criticism of, and perhaps even vigorous objection to, the setting up of what amounts to a new preferential area. “The New Zealand presentation in Geneva, both publicly and behind the scenes, obviously must have been done with a great deal of smoothness and efficiency.” The reception in Geneva, with a relatively long time allowed before G.A.T.T. would look at the subject seriously again, was entirely in New Zealand's favour, he said. “My information from Europe is that credit for the smooth passage of the pact belongs entirely with the New Zealand and not with the Australian negotiators. It is apparent that New Zealand has been assembling many friends on the world trade front and this paid good dividends at the G.A.T.T. session.” “New Zealand manufacturers must now see that they get the very best advantages from the trade pact, and that the wide area of negotiation

of further concessions which remains open, is fully exploited.” He said manufacturers could hardly expect government officials in New Zealand, or in Australia, or acting together, to sit in their offices and dream up all the possible advantages which could be developed under the treaty. This had to be done by individual manufacturers with a knowledge of the industry of the two countries. He said part of the requirements of the Australian motor trade could be effectively provided from New Zealand. More than one motor company was investigating the possibility of using New Zealand as a source of supply for a variety of components. Another possibility of integrated trade was in the huge development of Australia’s iron, copper, bauxite and manganese mining industries. New Zealand could probably import and process some of the raw materials and supply the finished products to the Australian market.

Mr Lowe said that this was already being done to some extent by Japan and New Zealand should be able to increase her share of this type of business. Mr Lowe said it could be taken for granted that the Australian Government would bend over backwards to encourage the reciprocal development of trade. Equally, the New Zealand Government was anxious to encourage exports to Australia. But the final action rested with manufacturers.