TRADE DEVELOPMENT

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 171, 15 April 1932, Page 8

TRADE DEVELOPMENT

New Zealand and the East EXPANSION LEAGUE PLAN A definite move to set in motion machinery for the organisation of overseas trade was made last evening, when a meeting of the New Zealand Trade Expansion League set up a committee to formulate a working policy. Mr. J. M 7. Polson, M.P., who presided over a representative attendance of business men and exporters, said that the curtailed Home market for New Zealand produce made it necessary to develop trade relations with every country in which business could profitably be done. Australia, he pointed out, had an Export Board, which was operating with marked success, and it was imperative that New Zealand should follow this and other examples. Mr. A. S. Tetzner said the ultimate effect of the league’s activities would be to combat the depression and provide employment. The geographical position of New Zealand was such that the Pacific basin was her natural market, and, among the nations of the East, China offered enormous possibilities. Mr. J. Martin said a representative of New Zealand exporters—not necessarily a Government man—should be sent to the East with samples and all information as to New Zealand exports, He could, in turn, collect desired information as to the trading facilities of the countries he visited. Mr. Martin suggested that Mr. Tetzner be appointed for such a mission. He was sure that the co-operation of merchants and exporters generally would be forthcoming.

“Nowadays we have to go out and get trade,” said Mr. R. Boyes, who stressed the need for a united effort on the part of business interests to open up new and promising export fields. The opinion that young New Zealanders. should be trained for trade agency work overseas was expressed by Mr. J. Milne. As time went on, he said, it would be necessary to appoint resident agents in the East.

Colonel Hargest, M.P., said it was essential for New Zealand trade to expand. Personal contact and investigation would be a groat factor in the campaign, and even the United States offered possibilities. He assured the meeting that the move would have support in the House. The following were appointed as a committee to meet on Wednesday next: Colonel Hargest and Messrs. IV. J. Polson, J. T. Martin, IV. T. Esson, J. Milne, O. 11. Benge, F. Hurley, C. Dodd, J. Mclntosh, A. Fletcher, J. H. P. Mahon, R. Boyes, H. Elliott, and L. T. Jacobsen.