China-Ceramco co-operation

Press, 7 September 1984, Page 8

China-Ceramco co-operation

The Government of China and Ceramco, Ltd, expect to reach agreement in principle to develop mutually beneficial business and trade opportunities. The preliminary terms of the agreement are set out in a memorandum of understanding which is to be signed in Wellington next Wednesday by Mr Yang 80, the Chinese Minister of Light Industry, and Mr K. M. P. Smith, .managing director of Ceramco.

The agreement provides the Ministry with access to Ceramco’s ceramic techno-

logies, materials, processing techniques and design; with the company’s marketing expertise and connections in New Zealand, Australia, Europe, America, and Asia. The Chinese, in turn offer to Ceramco co-operative trade opportunities in areas where a joint interest exists or can be developed for viable markets. The 10-point memorandum covers several ceramic product groups, the development of clay resources in China, and technology transfer through the training by Ceramco of Chinese.

Particular emphasis is placed upon involvement by a Ceramco subsidiary, New Zealand China Clays, Ltd, in the development of clay deposits in China, following a 1983 technical visit to the country by five experts from that company. Mr Smith said after discussions with the Chinese delegation at Ceramco’s Auckland head office that the agreement was regarded by both parties as a “springboard” for further development. Mr Yang 80, who is making his first visit to New

Zealand, heads a delegation of eight officials from the Ministry of Light Industry which arrived in New Zealand yesterday for a 10-day official tour. The delegation is accompanied by officials of the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand, the Departments of Internal Affairs and Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Yang Bo will be in Christchurch next Thursday and Friday. He will visit Christchurch factories and see jetboats on the Waimakariri River.