‘Europe as bad as Japan’

Press, 28 November 1977, Page 14

‘Europe as bad as Japan’

PA Wellington New Zealanders should not become obsessed with Japan’s restrictive trading policies, the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Rowling said. “The European Economic Community’s common agricultural policy is just as bad, and the United States is not much better,” he told a Rotary Club luncheon. Mr Rowling said the industrial world was “totally hypocritical”- in its trading stance.

“They are strong on free access fcr manufactured goods while condoning strong protectionist practices against primary products,” he said. “Farmer interests in those countries wield excessive political power and producers like New Zealand are the losers.” “If we want to continue relying on agricultural products then we must expect continuing access problems,” he said. “Blustering around on the world stage may grab the odd headline but the acid test will always be — what are the results? “So far the Government has got absolutely nowhere with the Japanese. I suspect the public nature of its strategy has hardened the Japanese position. No-one likes to be seen to be backing down.

“I believe if the Government talked less in public but took a hard line in private it would have made some progress by now.” It was clear that New Zealand’s whole trade service must be strengthened and there should be a full time Minister of Overseas Trade..

“Not just one roving around Europe, but one who can go anywhere at any time.”

Mr Rowling said that New Zealand must substantially improve the quality of its market intelligence which meant establishing diplomatic and trade posts which gave access to all areas showing promising sales prospects. “I would like to see the universities producing more people with marketing expertise, We have been weak in this area for far too long.” Mr Rowling told the Rotarians he saw a great future for the New Zealand Export Import Corporation which the Government and exporting interests could use to do deals which would not otherwise be possible.

A Labour Government would provide the funds to see the corporation’s work was extended to Melbourne, the west coast of the United States, the Middle East, and possibly Vancouver, he said.