World

ASEAN expects to ink digital economy pack in 2026

The digital economy of ASEAN member states valued at 263 billion USD in 2024 and is projected to grow to around 1 trillion USD by 2030. However, with the implementation of DEFA, this figure could potentially double to 2 trillion USD.

Jakarta (VNA) - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is set to sign the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) next year, which is expected to double the bloc’s digital economy.

During the 14th round of DEFA negotiations in Jakarta, Indonesia, the discussion progress is expected to reach 70%.

Addressing a press conference in Jakarta on October 7, Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto revealed that the group had been drafting some key provisions.

According to Airlangga, the digital economy of ASEAN member states valued at 263 billion USD in 2024 and is projected to grow to around 1 trillion USD by 2030. However, with the implementation of DEFA, this figure could potentially double to 2 trillion USD.

Indonesia is expected to remain the leading digital economy in ASEAN. Airlangga said the country’s digital economy is forecast to reach 360 billion USD by 2030, up sharply from 90 billion USD in 2024. E-commerce will serve as the main pillar, contributing about 150 billion USD by 2030.

He added that the negotiating committee has agreed on five priority provisions to be finalised - digital financial services, electronic transmissions based on WTO rules on import tax exemptions for digital transactions, non-discrimination of digital products, submarine cable management, and flexibility in electronic payment systems.

Le Quang Lan, Director of the Market Integration Directorate at the ASEAN Secretariat, said that for Vietnam, DEFA holds great significance as it marks the first time the country has participated in a comprehensive digital economy agreement. This requires government agencies and businesses to speed up digital transformation and enhance readiness in both legal frameworks and infrastructure.

With a population of 680 million, ASEAN’s digital technology market is seen to be among the most dynamic in the world. The bloc began negotiating DEFA in 2023, during which Jakarta was at the group’s helm. ASEAN claimed that this will become the world’s first major regionwide digital economy agreement./.

VNA
#Digital Economy Framework Agreement #ASEAN #digital economy #E-commerce #Indonesia #Vietnam ASEAN
Follow VietnamPlus

Digital transformation

Related News

Illustrative photo (Photo: VNA)

ASEAN to introduce anti-fake news training module

The module was developed around five main aspects: understanding modern disinformation, AI-driven misinformation, fact-checking and digital verification, legal and ethical frameworks in ASEAN, and values and ethics of information.

ASEAN unveils Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation in next five years

ASEAN unveils Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation in next five years

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) committed 10 billion USD towards the APG to expedite cross-border connections, national grid projects, and renewable energy initiatives that will facilitate power trade. Meanwhile, the World Bank also allocated 2.5 billion USD to support ASEAN green energy projects.

Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, Malaysia’s Chief Statistician and Chair of the 15th ASEAN Community Statistical System (ACSS) (Photo: thevibes.com)

ASEAN poverty declines as region advances on SDGs

The proportion of ASEAN’s population living below national poverty lines declined to 10.8% in 2023 from 13.3% in 2016, placing the region firmly on track to achieve its 2025 sustainable development goals, according to the ASEAN SDG Indicators Progress Report 2025.

See more

Cambodia seeks to improve healthcare quality, support people

Cambodia seeks to improve healthcare quality, support people

Speaking at a ceremony on October 7 marking the 80th anniversary of the University of Health Sciences in Phnom Penh, PM Hun Manet said more than 2.25 million women had benefited from government cash support from pregnancy until their children turn two in the first half of 2026.

Bangkok named world's best city for 2026

Bangkok named world's best city for 2026

Bangkok scored 97.68 points, surpassing Paris of France with 97.14 points and Istanbul of Türkiye with 96.67 points, which ranked second and third, respectively, according to the magazine's latest poll.

Ambassador Do Hung Viet, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, speaks at the general debate of the Third Committee of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York on October 6, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, ASEAN highlight inclusive social development at UN

ASEAN will continue to work closely with the UN under the ASEAN–UN Plan of Action for 2026–2030, helping translate commitments to social development into concrete and sustainable outcomes and bring tangible improvements to people's lives, particularly those of vulnerable groups, Ambassador Do Hung Viet affirmed.

Indonesia expand carbon market incentives

Indonesia expand carbon market incentives

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan outlined three primary sectors open to green investment, including sustainable agriculture through low-emission rice cultivation, waste-to-energy processing, and marine conservation through blue carbon development.

A shop in Jakarta, Indonesia (Photo: VNA)

Indonesia, Timor-Leste uphold new economic potential

Addressing the Bali–Timor-Leste Business Forum in Denpasar, Bali, last weekend, Bali Governor Wayan Koster said the two sides are well-placed to develop sectors where their respective strengths can complement each other.

Malaysia calls on ASEAN to jointly tackle haze

Malaysia calls on ASEAN to jointly tackle haze

Malaysian Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Arthur Joseph Kurup said on October 6 as host of the 28th Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (MSC) Meeting in 2027, Malaysia would use its chairmanship to translate the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) into concrete action by enhancing data sharing, improving law enforcement and cross-border cooperation.

Singapore proposes boosting the ASEAN power grid. (Illustrative photo: VNA)

Singapore outlines priorities for 2027 ASEAN Chairmanship

Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said at the recent launch of the Southeast Asia Climate Outlook Survey 2026 that ASEAN should focus on building up its regional power grid, boosting climate finance and increasing its resilience against climate change impacts.

Thailand, Laos push for single inspection plan at border

Thailand, Laos push for single inspection plan at border

Under the proposed model, customs authorities and other relevant agencies from Thailand and Laos, and potentially China, would coordinate inspections at a single location. Goods would undergo customs and other procedures only once instead of separate procedures by each side, significantly reducing the time and costs for businesses.

Thailand deploys AI system to manage agricultural supply

Thailand deploys AI system to manage agricultural supply

The system integrates data on production, prices and local conditions to forecast when and where crops will enter the market and estimate their volumes. It can also identify areas at risk of supply gluts and price pressure, allowing authorities to prepare timely responses.