More trade with Belgium?

Press, 28 November 1988, Page 2

More trade with Belgium?

PA Wellington Trade between Belgium and New Zealand is likely to be enhanced after last week’s visit of a Belgian trade delegation to Wellington and Auckland. The Belgian economic mission, headed by Prince Albert of Liege, heir to the Belgian throne, and including the . country’s Minister of Foreign Trade, Mr Robert Urbain, was made up of trade officials and business people. On Thursday, the Wellington Chamber of Commerce was host at a welcome and briefing session for the delegation. Issues discussed included shipping and customs regulations relating to New Zealand. During the day, a delegation from the Belgian mission paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, Mr Lange. Mrs Greta Fernie, of

the Belgian Embassy, said the delegation had had a useful meeting with the Trade Development Board to see where Belgian interests could be matched with those of New Zealand. One thing that had come out clearly was that Belgian expertise in food treatment technology could be of use in New Zealand. The Trade Development Board and the Belgian Trade Office would now see how such interests could be developed for the two countries’ mutual benefit. She said Belgium was already in important importer of New Zealand fruit and wool so possibly increases in these commodities would be discussed in the future. The delegation spent time in Auckland where they met a number of the city’s business people.