EXPORT MARKETS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 33, 2 November 1934, Page 12

EXPORT MARKETS

Several Adverse Balances ACTION BY GOVERNMENT An assurance that the Government meant to give all assistance in its power in the development of new markets for the disposal of New Zealand primary produce was given by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, when speaking In the debate on the Agriculture (Emergency Powers) Bill in the House of. Representatives last evening. ‘.‘There is no doubt that conditions have changed in regard to marketing,” said Mr. Forbes. “Export marketing is now a question between Governments, and Governments have to come into the arrangeijjpnts more and more. We are told we should not interfere, but I don’t know how it will be possible to carry on trade in the future if the Government does not take an active part, and provide itself with the means for investigating new markets.” Indicating the scope for New Zealand in seeking an extension of markets, Mr. Forbes quoted a list of countries with which the Dominion had the following adverse trade balances in 1933:— Canada, £697,000; India, £530,000; Ceylon, £541,000; South Africa, £34,000; Australia. £1,414.000; Fiji, £25,000; other British countries, £369,000; Japan, £314,000; Dutch East Indies, £982,000; United States, £1,594,000; other foreign countries, £602,000. “In those cases,” said Mr. Forbes, “we have a very strong lever in asking that they should buy more goods from us. In the new Cabinet in Australia there is a Minister to lock after trade agreements alone. Both Australia and Canada have numerous trade commissioners. Canada has 30. What we have in mind is to back iip the primary industries in opening up new markets. There is always the possibility of loss in the early stages. W are prepared to strengthen our trade , representation abroad and to do all we can in the way of publicity. Yet we are told that this Bill only places a weight on the industry. I say it provides the machinery vye must have to develop our markets. The dairy industry must be placed in a position .where it can get a marketable price for its produce.”