Fashion
2nd Protocol amending ASEAN-Australia-NZ Free Trade Area starts
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr expressed optimism that this will open new opportunities for e-commerce, trade and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The Second Protocol amending the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area entered into force recently.
At the ASEAN-New Zealand Commemorative Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Phillipine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr expressed optimism that this will open new opportunities for e-commerce, trade and MSMEs.
He highlighted New Zealand’s expertise in agritech, sustainable farming and value-chain integration.
He made the remarks during the ASEAN-New Zealand Commemorative Summit in Kuala Lumpur, one of the related summits of the 47th meeting of Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
“We hope this will expand market access, enhance regulatory certainty, and open new opportunities in e-commerce, sustainable trade, and MSME empowerment,” Marcos was quoted as saying by regional media outlets.
“I wish to reiterate the Philippines’ support for the ASEAN-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, as well as for the establishment of a biennial ASEAN–New Zealand Summit,” the President said.
New Zealand’s expertise in agritech, sustainable farming, and value-chain integration has enabled the regional bloc to “strengthen livelihoods, raise standards, and enhance food security across our communities,” he noted.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
In ****, the average export price stood at $**.** per kg, compared to $**.** per kg in **** and $**.** per kg in ****, according to *fashion.com/market-intelligence/texpro-textile-and-apparel/” target=”_blank”>sourcing intelligence tool TexPro. This consistent rise reflects the industry’s ongoing move towards value-added garments such as sportswear, uniforms, and functional apparel, backed by growing investments in automation, digital printing, and sustainable production practices.
According to *fashion.com/market-intelligence/texpro-textile-and-apparel/” target=”_blank”>TexPro, the Philippines exported apparel worth $***.*** million during January–July ****, compared to $***.*** million in **** and $***.*** million in ****, marking a two-year contraction from $***.*** million in ****. The decline in shipment values mirrors global demand weakness, tighter inventory management by Western retailers, and a continued shift of basic apparel sourcing to lower-cost ASEAN and South Asian producers.
“Maria Grazia Chiuri is one of the greatest creative talents in fashion today, and I am delighted that she has chosen to return to Fendi to continue expressing her creativity within the LVMH group, after sharing her bold vision of fashion. Surrounded by the Fendi teams and in a city that is dear to her, I am convinced that Maria Grazia will contribute to the artistic renewal and future success of the Maison, while perpetuating its unique heritage,” says Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH Group.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Maria Grazia into the team. The role of a creative director is no longer to simply design beautiful clothes but to curate a culture and hold a mirror to the world we live in. Her talent and vision will be instrumental in fortifying FENDI’s heritage, shaping the future talent in the house and deepening our commitment to Italian craftsmanship,” states Ramon Ros, FENDI’s Chairman and CEO.
Fendi has appointed Maria Grazia Chiuri as its new chief creative officer.
Returning to the Maison where she began her career, Chiuri will lead its artistic direction while strengthening Italian craftsmanship.
Bernard Arnault and Ramon Ros praised her vision and cultural influence.
Chiuri’s debut collection for Fendi, Fall/Winter 2026–2027, will be presented in Milan next February.
“I return to FENDI with honour and joy, having had the privilege of beginning my career under the guidance of the House’s founders, the five sisters. FENDI has always been a forge of talents and a starting point for many creatives in the industry, thanks to the extraordinary ability of these five women to foster and nurture generations of vision and skill.
I am grateful to Mr. Arnault for entrusting me with the task of helping to write a new chapter in the history of this extraordinary women-founded company,” states Maria Grazia Chiuri, FENDI’s Chief Creative Officer.
Maria Grazia will present her first collection, FENDI Fall/Winter 2026-2027, in Milan next February
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)
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