TRADE TREATIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21518, 15 June 1933, Page 7

TRADE TREATIES

POLICY OF AUSTRALIA SEARCH FOR NEW BUSINESS [from ock own correspondent! SYDNEY, June 8 It is generally recognised that Australia's economic future depends upon increasing the volume of trade. Having successfully piloted through the House of Representatives many important changes in the tariff, tho Minister of Customs, Mr. White, is now concentrating on the question of securing trade treaties with countries outside tho Empire. It is hoped that Australia has reached a stage of fiscal truce, as it were, and that it will not be necessary to amend the tariff for many years to come, except to make adjustments from time to time. Much research work has been done by a special committee of senior officials of the Customs Department, tho Department of Commerce, and the Department of External Affairs. This committee has been exploring the possibility of further trade treaties, and a special sub-committee of the Federal Cabinet has been concerned with tie policy aspect. Great care must ho exercised to see that no agreement encroaches upon the commitments to Great Britain and the rest of the Empire under tho Ottawa agreement. At tho same time Australia is anxious to be ready to avail herself speedily of whatever opportunities for trade expansion which might arise from the World Conference. The trade outlook in Australia has undergone a complete change since the world depression. Until a few years ago Australia was willing to wait for trade to come her way. Now she realises that if she wants business she must go. out after it. Ottawa gaves the Commonwealth's advisers experience that will bo of great value in an3 T further trade negotiations. Countries with which treaties will be considered in the near future are: Belgium, France, Italy, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Czechoslovakia.

Belgium and Germany once took large quantities of frozen meat from Australia, and it might be possible to revive" that trade. The trade in dried and fresh- fruits might be increased. France has already indicated her willingness to entertnto trade negotiations with Australia. France has many surcharges, prohibitions and quotas against Australian gorxls and complains about Australian tariffs upon her fancy goods, confectionery and perfumes. - Australia bears in mind that in this search for new trade there are many rivals in the field. She will have to be prepared to- give something in return for any concessions granted to her. What Australia can be expected to get will always be influenced by what she is prepared to give. No doubt a few holes will be made in the high tariff walls before any agreements are signed.