Prospects For Food Sales In Singapore

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31381, 29 May 1967, Page 14

Prospects For Food Sales In Singapore

Processed food and raw materials are the New Zealand articles most likely to sell well on the Singapore market, according to the Trade Commissioner designate to Singapore (Mr B. J. Grimstone) who arrived in Christchurch last evening.

Mr Grimstone, who will take up his appointment on June 27, will spend three days in Christchurch discussing trade prospects with manufacturers. He will meet the Canterbury council of the Manufacturers’ Association this morning.

His previous post with the Department of Industries and Commerce was as head of trade promotion in Asia, Australia and the Pacific. “Quite a few manufacturers have shown interest in the prospects of increasing our share in the market,” said Mr Grimstone. “The main interest shown has been in foodstuffs but I expect some of the secondary industries in Christchurch will also be in—rested. “Indonesia is part of my territory and I expect to visit it at least three times a year and keep an eye on this developing market. Quite a few Indonesian firms are opening offices in Singapore now that confrontation has ended. “On this four-week trip around New Zealand I have generally just been talking,” he said. “I have been asking whether there have been any blockages or troubles.

“Several manufacturers I have spoken tb have been interested in the possibilities for frozen fish or canned venison.”

He said it would be his job to survey markets and assess their prospects as well as make arrangements for travelling businessmen. Queries as to prospects would be sent to him and, after he had sent back the material and if the decision to go ahead was made, he would also find ajents to act for New Zealand manufacturers.

“My job is liaison, not selling. I will also do commercial intelligence and anything which is likely to affect New Zealand prospects there, one way or the other.” Last year Mr Grimstone helped to arrange the New Zealand stand at the Bangkok International Trade Fair.