TRADE WITH FAR EAST

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 180, 2 August 1932, Page 7

TRADE WITH FAR EAST

MINISTER URGES ACTION AUSTRALIAN’S LEAD QUOTED POSSIBLE STEAMER SERVICE WELLINGTON, Aug. L The opinion that New Zealand wai lagging behind other countries in extending markets for produce in the East was expressed by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. R. Masters, in a statement made on Saturday. He said it was beyond all doubt that there was a considerable market in that part of the world foi primary products and manufactured articles. “Unfortunately,” said the Minister, “New Zealand doos not seem to have appreciated the demand which undoubtedly exists for goods which we can produce. Other countries have been quick to see tho possibilities of extending their markets and are now doing considerable trade with the East. For my part, I am making every effort to impress this all-important question upon those concerned, and I recently circularised the chambers of commerce, manufacturers’ associations, the produce boards and business people generally throughout the Dominion on the matter.” Importations Compared The extent to which New Zealand was being left behind in the Eastern markets was made strikingly apparent by the figures showing the import! into Hongkong, and China. Import! of butter into Hongkong in 1931 totalled £42,270 in value. Of thia amount £36,670 was represented by Australian produce and only £2619 by butter from New Zealand. Of a total import of cheese valued at £8290 Australian cheese accounted for £990 and New Zealand for £224. Only £I4Z worth of dried milk was sent from New Zealand, whereas or the £48,700 spent in Hongkong for this product £29,000 went to Australia. Australia also sent 518,6151 b. of frozen beef and 379,1641 b. of frozen mutton to this ' market, whereas New Zealand sent none. The total value of Australian exports to Hongkong was £340,000, compared with £14,165 for New Zealand. In the same year the total Hongkong imports were £39,900,000. The figures for imports into China in 1929 (the latest figures available)] showed that infants’ foods were represented by £131,448. In the year ended June 30, 1931, £5lBl was spent in Australia on these products. Tho New Zealand exports for the year ended December 31, 1931. showed that no baby foods were sent to China. Total Imports of China , Taking the same periods again, the figures showed £57,700 spent on imported meats, prepared or preserved in. bulk. Australia was represented by £8345 and New Zealand by nothing. The sum of £82,751 was expended on. canned cream or milk evaporated or sterilised, £l7 representing New Zealand products and £87,541 (including infants’ food) Australian. Imports of Australian butter totalled £41,028 and of New Zealand butter £3767. Tho total amount spent in China on imported butter was £109,115. The total gross imports were valued at £169,841,806. Australia’s share was £3,342,988 and New Zealand’s £17,625. “It will be seen that in .these twoi places alone there is a substantial demand for commodities which we car supply,” said the Minister, “but New Zealand ’» proportion of the trade ii lamentably small. Of course, it is realised that shipping facilities present difficulties, but the Government has been in communication with the Now Zealand agents of tho Osaka Chosen Kaisha, with a view to obtaining direct shipment, and as a result 1 have been advised that, providing sufficient cargo is offering, it is possible that this line may bo induced to call regularly at Hongkong and (or) Shanghai in the future on the outward voyage from Japan, thus affording direct shipment for Now Zealand exporters. Dependent on Exporter! “Naturally, the success of the Government’s efforts in this direction are dependent largely upon the support given by local exporters. 1 feel we can reasonably call upon the various produce boards who are responsible for the marketing of our primary produce to co-operate and assist the Government in its endeavour to provide the desired shipping facilities for the development of this trade. “It is also interesting to learn that the British Chamber of Commerce at Hongkong is arranging to hold an exhibition of Australian products next November, and that this exhibition will display all types of goods suitable for Eastern markets. It is probable that the Government would be able to arrange with the chamber for the exhibition to include New Zealand products ns well as Australian. Thia would be a splendid opportunity for New Zealand. It may not be generally known that the Department of Industries and Commerce has honorary agents in Tientsin and Shanghai, and any information which can be obtained from them which will interest business people will be readily made available. “The importance of our obtaining! greater share of those markets cannot be too greatly stressed. The position of the British market, to which we sent 88 per cent, of our produce last year, is well known, and with increae ing competition from the Argentine Denmark and other countries the quei tion is, can New Zealand afford t< stand idle while other countries grasp * the opportunities which now lie to our hand.