Media OutReach
Strengthening Vietnam-US business partnership in the agricultural sector: Towards sustainable development and trade balance
Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
The visit aims to boost bilateral trade and create new opportunities for Vietnam to import more agrifood and timber from the U.S., helping to balance trade between the two countries. Besides trade, the Vietnamese delegation expects to access to new technologies, hence improving the competitiveness of their own value chains.
According to Minister Do Duc Duy, both Vietnam and the U.S. have strong agricultural sectors, but their strengths complement rather than compete with each other. “With active support of both Vietnam and US government, Vietnam’s and US’s agriculture have been increasingly connected. Even we’re now sharing the same supply chains, boosting our competitiveness, thereby supporting both producers and consumers in each country”. The Minister emphasized, “Vietnamese agribusinesses have cooperated strongly with the Government to increase the purchase of agrifood and timber products from the U.S. This effort helps balance bilateral trade and strengthens the agricultural supply chain between the two countries, hence contributing to global food security.”
Earlier, in September 2024, the largest U.S. agribusiness delegation in history visited Hanoi to mark the one-year anniversary of the Vietnam–US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Led by USDA Deputy Secretary Alexis Taylor, the delegation was consisted of representatives from nine state governments, 35 businesses, and 25 major industry associations. Their visit underscored the growing interest of U.S. businesses in Vietnam market.
Beyond boosting trade, both countries work to build inclusive development, enhance rural resilience, and promote sustainable production and clean energy. A key highlight is the “International Year of Women Farmers 2026” initiative, co-led by the U.S. and Vietnam and adopted by a United Nations resolution in May 2024. Following the resolution, Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment partnered with the U.S. Mission to ASEAN and the USDA to launch the initiative with a series of events. As part of the program, two American female farmers – Jennifer Schmidt and Jaclyn Wilson – traveled to Southeast Asia to engage with other female farmers, with Vietnam as their first destination.
Driving global economic growth
Today, American consumers increasingly choose Vietnamese agrifood, especially spices, fruits, seafood, and furniture. Meanwhile, Vietnamese producers rely more on U.S. imports, including cornmeal, soybeans, meat, dairy, lumber, livestock equipment, and seedlings.
Vietnam’s farmers are enhanced with better skills and knowledge to adopt advanced American technologies to boost production, improve produce quality and protect the environment. High-quality materials and cutting-edge technologies from the U.S. are helping Vietnam build more competitive and sustainable supply chains.
Vietnam’s agriculture continues to deepen partnerships with U.S. stakeholders, from federal and state governments to associations and businesses. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has signed multiple agreements with U.S. authorities and state governments. Vietnamese agribusinesses have signed 18 Memorandums of Understanding since 2020 to purchase agrifood from the U.S., totaling 6 billion USD, with half already implemented.
Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has created favorable conditions for U.S. agricultural exporters to enter the Vietnam market. Vietnam has completed registration procedures for 509 meat and meat exporters and 232 seafood exporters from US to Vietnam; no backlog remains to be processed. Both countries are actively working to open their fruit markets to each other, enabling exporters to reach new customers and for consumers to enjoy the distinctive flavors of both tropical and temperate regions.
Vietnam is also among the first eight Asian countries to approve biotechnology-based plant seeds from the U.S. So far, it has approved all 61 biotechnology applications dossiers submitted by U.S. companies. The two sides have also agreed on transparent and practical methods, procedures, and protocols for animal and plant quarantine. These agreements help pave the way for the development of the agrifood markets in both countries. In addition, the new Decree 73/2025/ND-CP, effective from March 31, 2025, cuts import tarriff to 0% for agrifood products that US has strong competiveness. As a result, agricultural exports from both sides have grown steadily, by around 10% annually over the past decade.
Holistic and sustainable cooperation
The visit of Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment delegation to the U.S. in June 2025 reflects Vietnam’s strong commitment to building trust and strengthening strategic partnerships by promoting the shared agricultural supply chains of the two countries. The visit also aims to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as the two countries celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations.
In an interview with Vietnamese press, the USDA emphasized: “Any agricultural trade imbalances are largely sector-specific and influenced by factors such as regulations, consumer demand, and supply chain dynamics. Ensuring reciprocal market access and reducing tariffs remain top priorities to sustain long-term trade growth.”
Dr. Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, General Director of the International Cooperation Department under Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, expressed concern over President Trump administration’s announcement of a 10% tariff from April 2, 2025, and the potential for a 46% reciprocal tariff on Vietnamese exports from July 9, 2025. This tarriff imposition has alarmed not only Vietnamese exporters but also American businesses.
Dr. Tuan explained: “Beyond shrinking profit margins and weakening business competitiveness on both sides, higher reciprocal tariffs will raise prices for essential food products in the U.S. This action not only hurts American consumers but also potentially disrupts the supply chain that both governments and private sectors of both sides have worked hard to build in recent years. Agrifood is a necessity goods, and hiking price of agrifood will significantly burden American average-income households.”
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Media OutReach
Linkflow Capital: SME Borrowing Costs Ease to 8.18% in 2025 as Larger Loans Return, but Middle East Conflict Threatens 2026 Outlook
SINGAPORE – Media Outreach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – Singapore’s SMEs experienced their first easing in borrowing costs in three years, with average unsecured lending rates falling to 8.18% per annum in 2025 from a multi-year high of 8.47% in 2024, according to Linkflow Capital’s latest SME Financing Accessibility Survey. Larger loan approvals above $500,000, which had disappeared entirely in 2024, also returned to form 5% of approvals in 2025.
The recovery, however, was uneven. Bank loan processing times stretched to 33 days on average, up from 22 days in 2024, while non-bank funders disbursed approved cases in just 7 days. The widening gap reshaped lender competition through the year.
Key findings from the 2025 survey:
- Borrowing costs eased modestly: Average SME loan interest rate fell 29 basis points to 8.18% per annum but remain stubbornly high against the backdrop of a significant decline in benchmark 3-month SORA rate throughout 2025.
- Larger loans returned: Approvals above $500K returned to 5% of approved loan dollar volume in 2025 after disappearing entirely in 2024. Loans in the $300K–$500K bracket also expanded from 3% to 7%.
- Loan approval rate recovered to 74%, up from 70% in 2024 (a 5-year low).
- Foreign banks extended their market share of loan origination within our platform: Foreign lenders grew their share of approved loan dollar volume to 38% in 2025, up from 26% in 2024 and 19% in 2023, while local banks fell to 46% (from 59%). Digital banks recovered modestly to 11% (from 8%).
- Credit-related rejections nearly tripled: Among unsuccessful applicants, those rejected due to adverse personal credit records jumped from 3% in 2024 to 11% in 2025, signalling rising personal credit stress among SME owners.
“2025 was the year SME credit conditions began to thaw after the 2024 squeeze, but the recovery was uneven,” said Benjamin Teo, spokesperson for Linkflow Capital. “Banks gradually reopened to larger loans, yet took meaningfully longer to process applications. Some SMEs facing immediate cash flow pressure turned to non-bank funders for speed, even at higher costs.”
A new and more severe headwind for 2026
Linkflow Capital flagged the Middle East conflict which began in February 2026 as the most consequential macroeconomic event facing Singapore SMEs in the year ahead. The conflict has elevated freight, energy and shipping costs through Iran’s intermittent disruption of the Strait of Hormuz.
“Singapore SMEs entered 2026 facing a potential macro shock with the Middle East conflict,” Teo said. “The inflationary price pressures feed directly into SME operating costs through fuel, freight, and energy. We expect credit conditions to re-tighten, and the modest 2025 thaw could partially reverse if the conflict escalates.”
The full survey findings and detailed charts are available at: https://smeloan.sg/blog/2025-sme-finance-accessibility-survey/
Website: smeloan.sg
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Hashtag: #LinkflowCapital #SMEFinancing #SMELoan #SingaporeSME #BusinessLoan #SMEBanking #SMECredit
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Linkflow Capital
Founded in 2012, Linkflow Capital is a leading SME loan consultancy in Singapore. Through its loan comparison portal and advisory services, Linkflow Capital assists SMEs in navigating the financing landscape and securing funding solutions from an extensive network of banks and financial institutions.
Recognising AI Startups to Lead New Momentum in Hong Kong’s I&T Development
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – SUNeVision Holdings Ltd. (“SUNeVision”, SEHK: 1686), the largest data centre provider in Hong Kong and the technology arm of Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited (“SHKP”), announced the successful completion of the third edition of its Startup Programme. The final winners emerged from a distinguished cohort of home-grown startups that showcase AI-driven innovations integrating advanced technology with sustainability, while contributing to Hong Kong’s vibrant startup ecosystem.
This year’s programme attracted nearly 100 high-calibre applications, the majority of which showcased AI-native solutions across smart city, green technology, digital assets, EdTech, and immersive entertainment. Through a structured series of intensive workshops, expert mentorship, and ecosystem engagement, SUNeVision supported participating startups in refining their business models and pitches, strengthening their technological capabilities, and accelerating go‑to‑market strategies.
The award-winning startups from this year’s programme include:
- AquaSage Group: A maritime fintech startup specialising in vessel tokenisation, converting traditional maritime business into regulated digital assets.
- ChatnLearn EdTech Limited: An AI‑powered platform delivering interactive and personalised English learning and speaking training.
- Green Vigor Limited: A greentech innovator deploying hydropower recycling systems within building water tanks and cooling infrastructure to generate renewable energy.
- Oh My Ink Technology Limited: An AI‑enabled tattoo try‑on platform offering real‑time skin visualisation before permanent application.
Helen Lo, Executive Director & Director, Commercial at SUNeVision, said: “We are impressed by this cohort’s exceptional ideas, which demonstrate how AI can be harnessed to deliver smarter, more personalised experiences and propel sustainable energy advancements, transforming technological innovation into tangible, real-world impact for the industry. Now in its third year, our Startup Programme has become a launchpad for high-impact innovation, empowering startups to accelerate their growth journeys and expand into global markets. We remain committed to fostering a dynamic AI ecosystem and strengthening Hong Kong’s role as a global innovation hub.”
The programme winners will receive SUNeVision Credits valued at up to HK$160,000, redeemable for support services offered by SUNeVision and the programme partners. The initiative equips startups with a solid digital foundation to deploy and scale AI‑driven applications within SUNeVision’s hyperscale data centre facilities, supported by low-latency connectivity. Participants will also gain access to a vibrant ecosystem of more than 300 technology and business partners, service providers, and key stakeholders. An array of tailored support will be provided by the programme partners, covering:
- Angelflow: Syndicate technology infrastructure
- Dataplugs: Internet and managed hosting
- Finda Cloud: Value-added cloud services and SaaS
- Nexusguard: DDoS protection and cybersecurity
- SUNeVision: Data centre colocation and hosting
- Sustainable SmartTech Ventures: AI-powered smart building management technologies
- the Hive.: Co-working space
- Votee AI: Authentic Cantonese translation
- WeExpand: Agentic AI services for sales and marketing automation
For more details about the SUNeVision Startup Programme, please visit [website].
Hashtag: #SUNeVision
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About SUNeVision
SUNeVision (SEHK: 1686), the technology arm of Sun Hung Kai Properties (SEHK: 0016), is the largest data centre provider in Hong Kong. We provide industry-leading carrier and cloud-neutral data centre services with Asia’s number one connectivity. We connect providers of telecommunications, cloud, ISP, CDN, OTT from local, mainland China and global with enterprises of different businesses on our Asia leading data centre ecosystem.
SUNeVision forms MEGA Campus by extending the connectivity edge from highly connected MEGA-i to other high-tier data centres, including MEGA Gateway, MEGA IDC, MEGA Plus and MEGA Two. Facilities on MEGA Campus are interconnected through a dedicated dark fibre network and around 15,000 cross-connects. Together with City PoPs of major submarine cables in our facilities, we enable our customers for direct connections to multi-cloud platforms and multi-cloud exchanges with the best connectivity in town. The addition of cable landing stations HKIS-1 and HKIS-2 to our data centre portfolio will provide a one-stop-solution to cable owners and users, strengthening our position as the leading connectivity hub in Asia. We are committed to supporting Hong Kong as a regional information hub and a strategic gateway to mainland China.
For more information, please visit SUNeVision’s website, WeChat.
Desert diamonds, first unveiled as a beacon in October 2025, draw inspiration from the colors of the earth from which they originate. The campaign celebrates a unique spectrum of colors — each shade telling a story of resilience, authenticity, and enduring love. The bridal campaign will build upon the success and momentum of the Q4 Desert diamonds launch.
Evolving the modern bridal aesthetic and highlighting the distinct character of each stone, Desert diamonds’ warm hues echo diverse forms of love, with sunlit whites and champagnes, soft sand tones and sunset blush and dawn colors reflecting the uniqueness of nature’s beauty. Together, these colors celebrate the evolving journey of love in all its forms – authentic, true and timeless.
The Desert diamonds bridal campaign is an industry-wide umbrella program, the goal of which is to create demand for natural diamonds by reigniting consumer desire with a new and relevant message. Retailers and designers across the industry have been working to develop pieces that showcase the full desert-inspired palette, including notable jeweler Kindred Lubeck, who will unveil her first bridal collection in conjunction with the campaign launch.
Launching 13 April 2026 across the United States, De Beers’ A Diamond Is Forever Desert diamond bridal campaign is supported by an integrated marketing effort across digital, social, and experiential channels, while also including out-of-home, social media and publishing partnerships. Using evocative storytelling, that creative spotlights how each natural diamond is as unique as the love it represents. Premium targeting efforts across digital platforms and geotargeting around key retailers will result in an estimated reach of 25 million American consumers – placing Desert diamonds in bridal content while leveraging shopper data and look-a-like audiences. Further amplification across the Brides, Martha Stewart, and greater People Inc. portfolio will educate, inspire and reinforce Desert diamonds as the enduring choice.
Sandrine Conseiller, CEO of De Beers Brands & Diamond Desirability, said:
“The success of Desert diamonds reinforces the spirit of authentic, evolving love. Today’s brides want something truly unique that delivers meaning and individuality. Natural diamonds, forged by nature over billions of years, in a range of color choices are the perfect symbol of a love that is uniquely theirs – resilient, genuine, timeless, colorful. This soft palette of natural colors celebrates the modern couple’s desire to celebrate the individuality of their commitment and the promise of a forever that truly reflects their story.”
Hashtag: #DeBeersGroup #Desertdiamonds #DesertBridal #adiamondisforever #naturaldiamonds #diamonds
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About De Beers Group
Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers London and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology services. De Beers Group is committed to ‘Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach to sustainability that underpins our efforts to create meaningful impact for the people and places where our diamonds are discovered. Building Forever focuses on three key areas where, through collaborations and partnerships around the globe, we have an enhanced ability to drive positive impact; Livelihoods, Climate and Nature. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com.
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