TRADE WITH EAST

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 273, 13 August 1932, Page 12

TRADE WITH EAST

Practical Move Being Made HONG-KONG EXHIBITION Delegates Prepared To Go TIME VERY OPPORTUNE The first practical steps in the establishment of trade between New Zealand and the Far East will b taken in a few days, when comXcLl representatives will leave to take up their residence in •Hmig-Kon!, to permanently represent the interests of New Zealand commerce and and all classes of goods a Eastern markets will be displayed. This definite move has been under consideration for some a Government officer who retired re a nftor very thorough investigaJapan and other countries of the East, a subject which-has been discussed by producers and manufacturers in the Dominion for several years past, but wiSt practical results. The representatives who are leaving s b° rt Y have informed the Wellington Manufacturers’ Association that they are prepared to undertake full care of the operations in connectton with the organisation, conduct, supervision, etc., of displays at the exhibition, and. further,' will accept the task without material consideration. They are satisfied with the prospects of becoming in the future agents of the successful manufacturers. The only cost manufaeturers need incur in regard to the exhibition is the forwarding and insurance on their goods. Chance of a Lifetime. Speaking to a “Dominion” reporter yesterday, the representatives expressed "their appreciation of the assistance which had been given by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. r. Masters, and at the fact that the Government was at last giving serious attention to the necessity of developing new markets for trade, and with the Far East in particular. The Minister was taking steps for the collection of exhibits of all kinds for display at the exhibition at Hong-Kong. At first the exhibition was arranged for the display of Australian produce and manufactured goods, but a strong feeling developed that New Zealand should also be represented there. “It is the opportunity of a lifetime,” said one of the representatives, “and it is worth twelve months’ propaganda to open up trade there. The success of the Empire Exhibition at Hong-Kong a few months ago guarantees tremendous interest and an enormous attendance. It will be an event in the economic life of China, especially as other countries, are represented there to capture the most potential market in the Pacific. There are 400 millions of Chinese and a European population of 150,000. It now rests with the New Zealand producers and manufacturers to forward, the goods for exhibition, for it will have to be done in a hurry, as in less than three months the exhibition will open. We must have the best of everything.” Ruling Prices Good. The opportunities for trade are enormous, it was stated, for ruling prices were so satisfactory that a substantial margin for producers and manufacturers was assured. Not a day should be wasted in creating contact. Great Britain had reached the stage when she was incapable of consuming the phenomenally increased output of the Dominions, much of which was being reexported to other countries at a good profit to the distributors in Great Britain. _ As illustrating the tremendous increase in primary products in New Zealand, it was pointed out that Taranaki province was at present producing as much cheese as was produced by the whole of New Zealand in 1914, and Auckland was producing an amount of butter which was in excess of the whole production of the Dominion in 1914. In such circumstances new markets must be found, otherwise industries would decline and die a natural death. Every new enterprise must be welcomed and encouraged in every possible way. Adopting Western Ideas. With the changing outlook, and the feet that the Chinese were steadily becoming Europeanised in their ways of living both in regard to food and clothing, it was urged that the opportunity for "getting in” was never better. "The teeming millions of Asiatics have developed a taste for European foodstuffs such as New Zealand can supply in large quantities,” it was stated. “China is also becoming more and more industrialised, and with skilful management the wool Industry has an exceptional chance of maintaining a steady supply of coarse wools for the mills which have been established in North-West China.” “Payment in silver at the other end Is another inducement to trade with the Far East,” it was added. "The Ottawa Conference advocated prices being based on metal, gold and silver. The exchange was in favour of New Zealand exporters, and the Minister of Industries and Commerce had given an assurance that -shipping facilities would be available. After the subject had been discussed for so many years it was gratifying to see practical steps taken at last. Not only would New Zealand exhibits be carefully watched at the exhibition, but every effort would be made to secure orders for New Zealand manufacturers and producers, and business relations would be entered into on the spot.” Manufacturers Moving. Several manufacturers are already moving in the direction of preparing collections of exhibits for shipment to the exhibition, and in the course of a few days it will be possible to make an announcement on the subject. Among the goods suitable for display are bacon, lard, biscuits, blankets, rugs, tweeds and other woollen goods, cider, casein, clothing, condiments, leather goods preserved meats, office equipment, rope and cordage, toilet requisites, tents, polishes, and many other articles, lists of which can be obtained by those interested.