ASEAN economic ministers at the ceremony to launch Negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) (Photo: https://asean.org/) Jakarta (VNA) - Negotiations on the ASEAN DigitalEconomy Framework Agreement (DEFA) have been kicked off within the ASEAN EconomicCommunity Council (AECC)’s 23rd meeting in Jakarta, demonstratingthe strong cooperation among ASEAN member countries in promoting digitaleconomic transformation in the region.
Addressing a press conference after the event, Indonesian Coordinating Minister for EconomicAffairs Airlangga Hartarto said it is a historicmilestone and an important step in cooperation between ASEANmember states to exploit the great potential of the digital economy.
It also marks a secure and connected ASEAN digital economicplatform, ready to lead the digital community and promote growing economicpower, he said.
Airlangga stressed that if implemented in 2025, DEFA willincrease ASEAN's digital economic potential to 2 trillion USD by 2030 from the typicallevel of 1 trillion USD.
By offering a comprehensive roadmap, DEFA seeks to empowerbusinesses and stakeholders in the region by promoting trade growth, increasinginteroperability, creating a safe online environment, and boosting theparticipation 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 theeconomic pillar with many results, including actions to turn ASEAN into a reliable investment area.
Previously, at the meeting, ASEAN economic ministers discussedthe current dynamic economic situation in the region and the globe, and keyissues such as geopolitics, supply chain disruption, green transition, digitalinnovation, and inclusive growth.
Strategic issues of the region were also put on table, including priority economicdeliverables (PEDs), the building progress of ASEAN Community Vision 2045, sustainable development,regional e-vehicle ecosystem, and the admission of Timor-Leste as an officialmember of the bloc./.
