ASEAN set to sign landmark regional digital economy framework agreement in November 2026

“Building on ASEAN’s existing digital economy commitments, the ASEAN DEFA establishes common rules and frameworks that facilitate digital trade, simplifies digital trade procedures, supports trusted cross-border data flows, enhances digital payments and electronic transactions, strengthens online consumer protection, and promotes greater digital interoperability across the region.”

According to MTI, the agreement will make it easier for businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, to tap opportunities in Southeast Asia’s expanding digital economy while enabling consumers to transact with greater confidence. 

It also covers emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, financial technology and source code protection. 

The ministry said that the agreement will support quality jobs and equip Singapore and ASEAN for the next phase of economic development as businesses increasingly adopt digital technologies and expand across borders.

“Singapore played an active role in delivering a high-quality and commercially meaningful agreement,” said MTI. 

“We thank Thailand as chair of the DEFA negotiating committee for its leadership, and all member states, the ASEAN Secretariat, and business stakeholders for their contributions.”

The agreement is expected to be signed at the 47th ASEAN Summit in November.