Russia New Zealand FTA

http://admin.beehive.govt.nz/release/new+zealand-russia+begin+fta+scoping+discussions   

Did you see this announcement on the Beehive website about the beginning of discussions for a bilateral agreement between Russia and New Zealand?

An article in the Dominion  Post newspaper this morning suggested that such a deal would pave the way for Russia to join Asia-Pacific trade arrangements.   It also lists trade opprtunities in such product areas as clothing & textiles, foodstuffs & beverages, education and the creative industries.

As with the already signed China Free Trade Agreement, it raises a myriad of questions as to whether New Zealand should enter into such agreements and with which countries.