Import licence easing lauded

Press, 18 February 1986, Page 4

Import licence easing lauded

The phasing-out of import licensing and reform of the policy on tariffs will encourage importers .to contain their costs, according to the Undersecretary of Trade and Industry, Mr Neilson. Speaking at the opening of Gough, Gough and Hamer’s $2 million manufacturing plant at Hornby, Mr Neilson said that liberalisation would produce lower prices, a wider selection of products, and improved access to overseas technology. By July, 1987, tariffs levied on imported industrial goods will be reduced to between 25 to 34 -per cent, compared with present 30 to 40 per

cent “While the movement to a tariff-based system of protection may create some transitional difficulties, in the medium term it will increase the incentive "for industry to seek the cheapest, most effective means of production,” said Mr Neilson.

Every effort would be made to ensure that the different industries and manufacturers would be treated equally. Dumping of goods might occur on the New Zealand market with less protection, but the Government would ensure that safeguards were in place to deal with that Mr Neilson said. S’