INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20303, 10 July 1929, Page 11

INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE

AMSTERDAM CONGRESS.

RESTRICTIONS AT PORTS.

OBSTACLES TO TRADING

A istrnlinn and N.Z. I'ress Association. (Received July 0. 8.03 p.m.) AMSTERDAM. July 0. A Congress of the International Chamber of Commerce \vas opened to day at Amsterdam. It was attended by 1200 delegates from 38 countries.

The president. Dr. Alberto Pirelli (Italy), appealed to the Governments to ratify the 1928 convention for the abolition of restrictions on imports and exports.

Referring to flic tariff policy of the JJnited Stales, the president said America had more to gain from the development of Europe—which took half the exports from the United States—than she had to fear from increased European competition in the world's markets.

The transport and communications group passed a resolution recommending the universal adoption of the Hague rules governing bills of lading. M.' Freeh in (France) advocated the abolition of flag discrimination and customs formalities. lie said these obstacles often drove off trade altogether. Sir Alan G. Anderson, vice-president (Britain), said Portugal and Peru had been mentioned as having been especially vexatious for port dues. Personally, lie wondered why those who advocated such stringent protection did not follow the policy to its natural conclusion and allow their ports to silt up entirely. That would prevent foreign competition altogether.