New Zealand yesterday became the first Western country to clinch a free trade agreement with China. 
 
Prime minister Helen Clark hailed it as historic and significant not only for New Zealand but other developed nations, for which it could serve as a template.

"This is a big deal. There has not been a trade deal like this with China done by anyone before," said Miss Clark, who witnessed the signing of the pact with her Chinese counterpart, Premier Wen Jiabao, in Beijing.

"It has broader strategic significance because other developed countries can see what China is willing to negotiate. ... Read full article