Asean concludes digital economy deal talks, sets November signing
Negotiations for the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) have concluded, with a signing scheduled for November after delegates resolved all outstanding issues during the 57th Asean Senior Economic Officials…
Source: The Star · July 21, 2026 at 1:24 PM · AI-assisted report
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KUALA LUMPUR, 21 JULY 2026 —
Negotiations for the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) have concluded, with a signing scheduled for November after delegates resolved all outstanding issues during the 57th Asean Senior Economic Officials Meeting in Manila.
Market Impact
Department of Trade and Industry - Bureau of International Trade Relations director Mary Sherylyn Aquia, who chairs the Asean SEOM, said the agreement would advance the bloc’s vision of a digitally integrated, secure, interoperable, competitive and inclusive regional economy. “This marks the successful conclusion of the negotiations on Asean’s first region-wide digital economy agreement and a major milestone,” she said on Saturday.
The deal covers digital trade, cross-border e-commerce, data governance and privacy, digital identity, electronic payments, online safety and cybersecurity cooperation, competition policy, artificial intelligence and digital talent mobility. It builds on existing initiatives such as the Asean Single Window, digital payments connectivity, cross-border data initiatives, online consumer protection and the Asean Unique Business Identification Number.
Asean’s digital economy is projected to reach US$1 trillion by 2030 under current growth trends. The Asean DEFA is expected to strengthen digital connectivity, boost trust in online transactions and reduce barriers to cross-border digital trade, creating a more seamless environment across the region.
Economic officials will sign the Asean DEFA in November alongside the 28th Asean Economic Community Council Meeting and the 49th Asean Summit. The agreement aims to narrow development gaps among member states and expand opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises, aligning with the goals of Asean 2045 and the AEC Strategic Plan 2026-2030.
AEC Council ministers said the full benefits hinge on timely signing, effective implementation and sustained cooperation. “Its objective is not merely to increase digital trade, but to ensure that the opportunities created by digital transformation are more widely shared across Asean member states and their peoples,” Aquia said.