Hurry C.E.R., says farming head

Press, 20 March 1982, Page 3

Hurry C.E.R., says farming head

PA Auckland Signing of the closer economic relations agreement by New Zealand and Australia should not be delayed until "every last detail" has been decided, says the president of Federated Farmers. Mr W. R. Storey. He told the'annual meeting of the Australia-New Zealand Businessmen's Council in Auckland that although both Governments had agreed to review the C.E.R. scheme after five years, they had also agreed that the gradual freezing of trade progressmust continue in spite of short-term problems. "The reverse could doom

the exercise to failure as affected parties seek support and protection at the first hurdle. "Though I support an automatic timetable for progress, I also press strongly for a more effective and quick mechanism for dealing with genuine cases of dumping or attempts to sell third-country products in the partner country's market." said Mr Storey. That should apply equally to agricultural products as to manufactured and processed goods, he said. Other economic systems and procedures, practised by both countries, still required urgent attention to ensure

trading opportunities were based on fair competition. Mr Storey hoped that resolution of those issues could be settled in time to introduce the agreement early next vear. Mr Storey said that in spite of the concern expressed by the Australian dairv industry, he was confident that the two dairy boards would co-operate. New Zealand should be able to benefit from an expanding Australian market tor cheese. It would also be a pity if the political situation in Australia slowed the momentum (or an agreement