Manufacturers call for growth

Press, 16 December 1981, Page 10

Manufacturers call for growth

PA Wellington The Manufacturers’ Federation wants the Government to set a minimum annual economic-growth target of 3 per cent and to develop a strategy to ensure that, that goal is reached. The federation’s president. Mr Bill Christie, said that five years of zero economic growth had forced manufacturers to find markets overseas. He said, "however, the weak domestic economy is not a satisfactory base from which to tackle the Australian market under the proposed C.E.R. (closer economic relations) agreement. ■ “It is likely the Australian economy will grow steadily over the next five years and

unless New Zealand achieves similar growth rates our manufacturers will be seriously disadvantaged if and when the C.E.R. agreement comes into full effect." Mr Christie said it was no good, in restructuring the economy, to eliminate socalled inefficient industries if nothing was put in their place to absorb the labour and capital resources. Manufacturers were more than willing' to play their role in building a stronger economy. Mr Christie said, “we believe it is time for the major interest groups, including the trade unions, to get together to see if a consensus can be reached on broad economic policies."