TRADE OPPORTUNITIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18174, 21 August 1922, Page 9

TRADE OPPORTUNITIES.

NEW ZEALAND AND CHINA.

NEGLECTED IN THE PAST.

MUTUAL EXCHANGE SUGGESTED.

Th« opportunities for mutual trade between New Zealand and China -were enlarged upon -with some enthusiasm on Saturday by Mr. Ma Hsaio Chiu, a Chinese visitor to Auckland, who is familiar -with trading conditions in tho Far East, being tho son of the wellknown Hongkong merchant, Mr. Ma Fut Ting. Recently New Zealand had, through its Chambers of Commerce, evinceid some interest in the possibilities of trade with tho Far East, said Mr. Ma, but ho believed nothing had yet been dona in the matter.

R-aw wool or manufactured "woollens were commodities for which thero was a large demand in China- It was a mistako to think tho country was all tropical, as the winter was very cold in Northern China and the interior. Woollen clothes were being more worn, especially by tho students, who had a woollen uniform in many cases, and the market was certainly there ready for exploitation. At present New Zealand wool came to China through Japan and America., and he pointed out that it would be more profitable to both this Dominion and China if the exchange could be mad© direot. China also imported frozen and preserved meats from America, and here was another traduig field in wnich Now Zealand could hope to compete on more than favourable terms. Butter and cheese were sent to China and the East bv Australia, which country had recently became alive to the possibilities of trade with its Northern neighbours, but Mr. Ma understood that New Zealand could excel tho Commonwealth in produce of this description. To obtain the best results from commercial transactions such as he had outlined, Mr. Ma said it- would be desirable if New Zealand would accept Chinese products in exchange. The Dominion already took tea and silks from China and no doubt the establishment of a regular trade would reveal other products which New Zealand could import. For the establishment of this trade, Mr. Ma suggested that New Zealand should _ send trade representatives to inquire into markets and commercial conditions in China, and later should establish a trade commissioner at Shanghai, or some other centre, such aa Australia had done. He intended to represent to the Chinese Government on his return the opportunities afforded for trade with New Zealand and to suggest the despatch cf a trade commissioner to these shores. But the key to the position was the institution of a direct shipping service between the two countries and, following that, Mr. Ma was sure thai considerable trade would follow to the mutual advantage of both countries. Commerce would also prove a means to greater understanding and friendship between the two peoples. '"The future of New Zealand no one can tell. ' said Mr. Ma, in speaking of the ereat estimate he had formed of its possibilities, for development and progress"You are i verv British people here and in China the British have a reputation j for honestv and straight-dealing— not so Japan. Therefore, we hope to trade with you, to give what you need of ours for what you have and which we want."