The Japanese operator of the Uniqlo casual clothing chain said Thursday its six-month net profit jumped 13.2 percent, thanks to robust overseas sales.

Fast Retailing said its net profit for the six months to February rose to 65.45 billion yen ($657 million) and operating profit gained 5.3 percent to 96.66 billion yen.

Sales jumped 17.0 percent to 614.84 billion yen, it said, adding that a weaker yen has also helped the firm's earnings.

"Particularly, strong performance of the overseas Uniqlo business and global-brand operations contributed to the increased revenue and profit," the company said in a statement.

Reuters