DOMINION TRADE

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 19564, 1 May 1935, Page 2

DOMINION TRADE

AVENUES IN EUROPE.

OFFICER TO BE APPOINTED. HEADQUARTERS IN BRUSSELS. WELLINGTON, Tuesday. The Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. n. Masters, announced to-day that the Cabinet had approved of the appointment of a New Zealand trad.e commissioner on the Continent of Europe. The location of his office had not been finally determined, although' at present it waS'proposed that the commissioner, when appointed, should make his headquarters at Brussels. The Government recognised that, both for foodstuffs and raw materials, the Continent was one of New Zealand’s most important J present and potential markets, 1 said the Minister. “I am. confident,” he added,'-“ that New Zealand and its products-are'very little known over large areas where markets for our goods could be found, and where a greater knowledge of the range and quality of our -products would make for an extension of our sales. New Zealand’s existing direct trade credited statistically to Continental -countries is not inconsiderable, but there is also a very substantial quantity of our produce which reaches the Continent in the form of reexports from the United Kingdom. Prospeots of Market. 11 The'quantity and value of -those re-exports cannot be determined accurately,” said the Minister, “ but it is known that wool, fruit, hides, skins, tallow and other New Zealand produce •to the value of several millions of pounds a year reaches the Continent through those channels. The GovernV ment feels that the Continent offers definite prospects of improved markets for our goods, and that direct official representation which allows for continuous exploration and personal contact with prospective importers must iserve a very valuable purpose. " While Now Zealand already has a trade agreement with Belgium, which permits us to export certain lines to that country on a favourable basis, an extension of that agreement and negotiation of other commercial treaties with Continental countries will bo greatly facilitated through the availability of a New Zealand 'trade representative in Europe. “Tile need for such representation has also been increasingly evident in view of the difficulties constantly arising through the Imposition and alteration of quota and exchange restrictions. Even apart from a prospective extension of trade it is certain that we run a grave risk of loss'of trade we already enjoy on the Continent, if a representative in ,close' touch with Continental Governments is not available to state the views of the New Zealand Government when tariff, quota and exchange questions arise. European Restrictions. “ Now Zealand firms at present exporting or desirous of exporting to European markets are experiencing the greatest difficulties in ascertaining and meeting the changing requirements of the authorities controlling imports. It will be part of the duly of the trade commissioner lo isce that New Zealand • exporters are kept constantly and fully Informed, and, wherever possible, assisted in overcoming -the restrictive provisions of European trading and financial laws. " The commissioner will also act as New Zealand representative in -the development of tourist traffic. While no doubt in this matter difficulties must be faced concerning locution and languages, English is a language fairly extensively used in Europe by the bet-ter-educated classes, and many isuoh people travel abroad extensively. New Zealand, already -has a small traffic •composed of Continental Europeans, und, with a permanent tourist office situated in a central position in Europe, (ho tourist traffic -can no doubt be stimulated and increased. Master, ” represents a further step in |Hthc Government’s policy of definitely 'to exploit the development new markets. A central location of new commissioner’s office should enable him to keep touch with .such buyers as Belgium, France, \G.crmauv and Holland, and perhaps, ToiTTes'scr cxicnl, with Spain, Italy, Austria, Czecho-Slovakia and Northern European countries.”