Press Release from the Importers Institute

11 September 2000

For immediate release

"Please stick to closing the gaps," Importers Institute secretary Daniel Silva today urged the Prime Minister.

His comment came in reply to Helen Clark's claim on a radio show that "we don't source anything like a major proportion of our imports from the US so the other currencies we import from, we've still got a reasonable relationship with".

Silva said the statement showed an abysmal lack of understanding of the economy.

"Most of our imports from Asia are denominated in US dollars. Besides, our currency has fallen against just about every other currency, from the yen to the Fijian dollar.

"If Miss Clark wishes to become a de facto Minister of Finance, she will have to bone up on these topics," he said.

"This Government says it wants to work in partnership with businesses to grow New Zealand's economy. But such ignorance can only destroy any confidence business might have that the Government is up to the task."

For further information or comment contact: Daniel Silva, Tel (09) 302 9569, Mobile 021 877 015

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