TRADE WITH EAST

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 96, 20 October 1933, Page 16

TRADE WITH EAST

OPENING NEW MARKETS

RESULTS IN THE FUTURE

Keference to the opening up of new markets and trade with tho East is made in tho annual report of the Department of Industries and Commerce presented to Parliament yesterday.

The report states that every effort has 'been made to open up and develop markets for 'New Zealand produce in tho East, but as in most parts of the world, the East had been seriously affected by the depression. It was not possible, therefore, to see the results of those efforts reflected in any marked increase in the volume and value of New Zealand's export trade to the East. When world economic conditions improved, however, it was hoped that tho efforts that had been made would bear fruit.

Firms interested in trade with the East had been kept in , close touch with the position, and numerous inquiries, had been received during the past year from all parts of the East, particularly British Malaya, India, and China, and for many classes of New Zealand products, and in all cases the inquirers had been placed in touch with persons, firms, and organisations likely to be interested. The question of shipping facilities had been kept steadily in view. The Department had honorary representatives in India, Ceylon, Hong Kong, and China, and those gentlemen were of considerable assistance in submitting market reports and other information essential to New Zealand exporters. While reductions had occurred in certain" cases in the volume of New Zealand's export trade to the East, it ,was gratifying to find that, despite the adverse trading conditions existing in Eastern countries, inareiises in quantities of. commodities shipped had occurred in certain cases, and in others again that the volume had been more or less, maintained. . ■•

"Satisfaction--is- expressed with the j substantial -increase in trade •with Australia, the- Commonwealth now, being New Zealand's second best customer. Now. that, the ■ exchange between Australia was at par, it was anticipated that greater quantities of hides, skins, pelts, timber,- hemp, and fish, would bo purchased- from N-ew Zealand. Import and export trade with Can-ada-had shown a. further decline. The New Zealand Trade- Commissioner at Toronto holds the opinion that the risein wheat prices has considerably helped business generally, and Tie is of tho opinion that, unless serious international developments occur, there is good ground for hoping that in tho coming season New Zealand's trade with_ Canada will, increase substantially. So far as New Zealand's exports to Canada were concerned, .the position should, in all the circumstances, be viewed with a certain measure of satisfaction, despite the slight falling off in value during the past year. No country gained at tho expense of New Zestland, and if New Zealand's sales had fallen off, it had been for reasons other than favour being given to competing countries. *

Comprehensive surveys, relating to almost all the items covered by the trade treaty, had been made during the year as to the possibilities of developing markets.