Vietnam and Japan signed six bilateral cooperation agreements, setting targets of $5 billion in annual Japanese investment in Vietnam and $60 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. Both sides also agreed to promote high-tech investments with technology transfer, support Vietnamese firms investing in Japan, and expand agricultural market access.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signed the agreements and addressed a joint press conference on Saturday following summit talks at the government headquarters, marking a key milestone in bilateral ties.

Hung said the visit would create fresh momentum, noting that Japan is Vietnam’s top provider of official development assistance (ODA), its largest partner in labour cooperation, third-largest investor and fourth-largest trading partner.

Vietnam and Japan aim to boost ties with $5 billion in annual investment and $60 billion in trade by 2030.
Leaders signed six agreements, while 2025 saw trade surpass $50 billion alongside rising ODA and investment.
Both sides plan to deepen cooperation in technology, energy and security, and expand high-tech and supply chain partnerships.

Both sides agreed to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through stronger cooperation in defence, security and diplomacy, while maintaining ministerial-level mechanisms across trade, industry, energy and technology. A Deputy Minister-level 2+2 dialogue on foreign affairs and defence will also be implemented.

The partnership has already gained traction. In 2025, ODA cooperation rose by over $600 million, bilateral trade exceeded $50 billion for the first time, and investment increased by nearly $4 billion across around 300 new projects.

Takaichi described Vietnam as a crucial link in global supply chains and highlighted economic security, covering energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, semiconductors and space, as a new priority area. She also stressed the importance of expanding the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) while maintaining high standards.

Dozens of joint initiatives are underway in science and technology, semiconductors, digital transformation, green transition, renewable energy and space.

They plan to hold a Joint Committee on Science and Technology Cooperation meeting in 2026, organise a public–private high-tech exchange event, and roll out projects under the POWERR ASIA2 Initiative to support energy self-reliance in Asia.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (CG)

The Australian wool market ended the week slightly higher, with the Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) rising 2 cents to 1,897 ac/kg, while US dollar returns eased by 6 usc to 1,352 usc/kg. In contrast, the Western Market Indicator (WMI) declined on its sole selling day, falling 11 ac/kg to 2,114 ac/kg and 16 usc to 1,507 usc/kg, snapping a seven-day gaining streak.

A marginally weaker US dollar lent support to returns, while the Australian dollar, holding firm at $0.71-0.72, continued to cap gains in US dollar terms, Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) noted in its Week 44 commentary (week ending May 1, 2026).

Australian wool prices edged higher, with EMI up slightly, though US dollar returns weakened and WMI declined.
Mixed trends were seen across wool types, with crossbreds gaining and Merino types easing.
A larger offering increased quality variation, leading to discounts on lower-grade wool.
With supply set to fall to 34,290 bales next week, market direction will depend on demand and quality.

Price trends were mixed across wool types. Fine Merino (16.5-19 micron) gained 5-10 cents in the North but declined 10-20 cents in the South and West. Medium Merino (19.5-24 micron) eased 5-15 cents in the North and South and dropped 15-35 cents in the West. Crossbreds (25-32 micron) rose 10-30 cents across most centres, while Merino cardings were mixed but generally firm, according to AWI commentary.

The week’s higher offering of 37,744 bales, up by 4,078 bales, introduced a broader quality mix, resulting in heavier discounting for lower-grade wool and a softer underlying tone. While better-quality lots attracted steady demand, weaker lines, especially in Melbourne put pressure on overall market sentiment as per the AWI commentary.

Looking ahead, next week’s offering is expected to decline by around 3,500 bales to 34,290 bales, which could provide some support, AWI commentary noted.

However, outcomes will depend on buyer confidence and the quality profile of the catalogue, as demand remains selective, AWI commentary observed.

The upcoming sales will feature Fremantle on Tuesday, while Sydney and Melbourne will follow a Tuesday-Wednesday roster.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (CG)

Frasers Group plc announces the acquisition of two major UK retail destinations, York Designer Outlet and East Midlands Designer Outlet, reflecting progress against the Group’s vision of creating a compelling brand ecosystem and platform for growth.

With an annual footfall of almost 7.8 million visitors across the two outlets, these acquisitions highlight Frasers Group’s position as both a landlord and retailer, supporting global brands’ outlet strategies while delivering strong value and brand choice to UK consumers.

• York Designer Outlet (250,000 sq. ft), located just outside York city centre, is home to 120 leading UK and international brands and welcomes 4.3 million visitors annually.
• East Midlands Designer Outlet (170,000 sq. ft), positioned near the M1 motorway, offers over 65 designer brands and has a footfall of 3.5 million visitors annually.

These acquisitions demonstrate Frasers Group’s continued commitment to the outlet sector, enhancing the Group’s property portfolio mix as it delivers against its Elevation Strategy.

Frasers Group plc has acquired York Designer Outlet and East Midlands Designer Outlet, adding over 400,000 sq. ft of retail space across 185+ brands.
With a combined 7.8 million annual footfall, the move strengthens its dual role as landlord and retailer, supports global outlet strategies, and accelerates its Elevation Strategy to grow UK market share and brand ecosystem.

Michael Murray, Chief Executive Officer at Frasers Group, said: “These strategic acquisitions reinforce our vision, leveraging strong partnerships with leading global brands to unlock mutual value – supporting their outlet strategies while driving growth. Today, we own over one-fifth of the UK outlet market and have a clear ambition to grow our share further.”

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)