N.Z. Attitude To Exports “Timid And Haphazard”

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31500, 14 October 1967, Page 44

N.Z. Attitude To Exports “Timid And Haphazard”

WI. fnu Atudatton) NELSON, Oct 13. The front line for export sales was overseas, not in New Zealand, a Hong Kong expert agent Mr R. S. King, said in Nelson today. “Our Idee In New Zealand is for export managen to be away fines weeks every two year*. In fact, he should be home only three weeks a' year." Mr . King is engaged in trade proi notion for New Zealand firms in Hong Kong and the Far East He said doing business

with New Zealand firms was very frustrating. “It’s not our products that are at fault, it is our attitude. Our complete approach to esports is so timid and haphazard,** he said. “There is a lot of talk about the buyers who are invited here, but there is no follow-up. New Zealand firms expect overseas importers and traders to come to them, in sharp contrast to Australia which is reaping vast rewards from its overseas salesmen.” Hong Kong was the shop window of Asia because of Ms situation, its shipping Servians’ and excellent banking facilities. New Zeeland’s exports there this year would prob-

i ably have fallen to about SHKBm, but the country was : buying back about 10 times . that amount Australia sold huge quantities j of, goods , through Hong Kong but was dew enough to come out : well on the credit aide. ■ Some of the reasons for > Australia's success were exi tensive advertising, ready i availability of goods, top-darn salesmen, good after-sales service, Government incentives and support, and the valuable work of its trade commissioners. ' New Zealand gave no service to buyers ,in Hong Kong, the only adveristng Was an occasional “nibble"' by Air New Zealand, and them was no Miow-up. "We most have warehouses in Hong Kong packed with New Zealand goods so that buyers can obtain products in exactly the saine way the dairies and other businesses in Nelson do on-the-spot business with the wholesalers. ■> "This is the service they world and the only way tol beat that is with, service,” Mr King said. iJ’F ; 'h-h L/1