TRADE COMMISSIONERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22098, 2 May 1935, Page 10

TRADE COMMISSIONERS

The Government has decided to appoint a trade commissioner for the Continent of Europe. "This decision," says the Minister of Industries and Commerce, "represents a further step in the Government's policy of definitely proceeding to exploit the development of new markets." The announcement, thus, has a twofold interest, the attack on Europe in the search for markets and the development of tourist traffic, and the wider policy of exploring all possible avenues for an extension of New Zealand's export trade. The present is not a particularly favourable time. Deliberate restraints on the flow of trade are many, while monetary conditions are an "additional barrier. In spite of these handicaps, direct exports from New Zealand to European countries in 1934 were valued at £3,460,000. Wool was an outstanding item, but it is not the only New Zealand product which finds purchasers on the Continent. Apples, honey, hides, skins, sausage casings, a certain amount of kauri gum, to select some from a fairly lengthy list, have been sent there in spite of the many obstacles in the way of trade during the past three or four years. Even small increases in the shipments would be welcome. So far as an active official, on the spot and open-eyed to see opportunities, can expand the volume of trade, his appointment is to be commended. Though it may be a speculative move, it is preferable to doing nothing. Diversion of produce from the overloaded markets of the United Kingdom should have an immediate and beneficial effect on prices. So far as the establishment of official trade representatives in different areas promises to bring this about, it is a policy which, might well have been begun earlier, and developed more rapidly. Even with all that can be said in favour of setting up an outpost in Europe, the representative there will find it difficult to do much for the two commodities causing most anxiety—dairy produce and meat. This need not be an argument against his appointment, but it iis a very cogent argument in favour of official action in other parts of the world where the prospects should be better. These are no times to sit with folded hands waiting for fortune to come uninvited.