Negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) have been kicked off within the ASEAN Economic Community Council (AECC)’s 23rd meeting in Jakarta, demonstrating the strong cooperation among ASEAN member countries in promoting digital economic transformation in the region.

ASEAN economic ministers at the ceremony to launch Negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) (Photo: https://asean.org/)
ASEAN economic ministers at the ceremony to launch Negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) (Photo: https://asean.org/)


Addressing a press conference after the event, Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said it is a historic milestone and an important step in cooperation between ASEAN member states to exploit the great potential of the digital economy.

It also marks a secure and connected ASEAN digital economic platform, ready to lead the digital community and promote growing economic power, he said.

Airlangga stressed that if implemented in 2025, DEFA will increase ASEAN's digital economic potential to 2 trillion USD by 2030 from the typical level of 1 trillion USD.

By offering a comprehensive roadmap, DEFA seeks to empower businesses and stakeholders in the region by promoting trade growth, increasing interoperability, creating a safe online environment, and boosting the participation of micro, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMES), he said. 

Secretary-General of ASEAN Kao Kim Hourn, in his remarks, praised Indonesia's leading role in its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2023, especially in the economic pillar with many results, including actions to turn ASEAN into a reliable investment area.

Previously, at the meeting, ASEAN economic ministers discussed the current dynamic economic situation in the region and the globe, and key issues such as geopolitics, supply chain disruption, green transition, digital innovation, and inclusive growth.

Strategic issues of the region were also put on table, including priority economic deliverables (PEDs), the building progress of ASEAN Community Vision 2045, sustainable development, regional e-vehicle ecosystem, and the admission of Timor-Leste as an official member of the bloc.

Source: VNA

Related Topics


ASEAN ministers discuss worker-related issues within IPEF cooperation

Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and several ASEAN top-ranked officials discussed the role of third parties related to manpower issues within the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) cooperation.

Five ASEAN countries to discuss transboundary haze in Singapore

Representatives of five ASEAN member states - Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand - plan to gather in Singapore from June 7-8 to discuss transboundary haze.

Vietnam-Cuba ties will last forever: NA leader

The brotherhood, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, loyalty and solidarity between Vietnam and Cuba will last forever, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue has stated.

Potential risks to the global economy

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that geopolitical tensions and the consequence of the global economy fragmenting will increase risks to financial stability. The instability of the global economy, the inefficient performance of major economies, high inflation and a sharp drop in investment, are also factors that restrain the growth momentum of many regions.

Cambodian schools to be closed during SEA Games

All-level public and private educational institutions in Cambodia will be closed from April 20 to May 18 for the 32nd SEA Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games.

ASEAN, EU reinforce cooperation relations

The 30th ASEAN-EU joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) Meeting has been convened in Jakarta, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening ASEAN-EU cooperation and to uphold ASEAN centrality based on shared relevant fundamental principles of their respective Indo-Pacific approaches.