Go digital and get stronger. Thailand has proposed a regional digital economy framework, the world’s first such regional framework, to the 10 countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with the goal of managing guidelines, raising standards and boosting trade, transactions and cybersecurity.
“With the rising regional importance of the digital economy, having a framework that helps to enable digital trade and transactions, and taking care of cyber security, becomes more important
t, and it is important to ASEAN,” said Eksiri Pintaruchi, permanent secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Thailand’s Minister of Digital Economy and Society Prasert Chantararuangthong introduced the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) during an informal retreat in Langkawi, Malaysia, attended by ministers and government officials from around the region who have responsibility for the sector.
The meeting also adopted The Bangkok Digital Declaration, which sets the direction for ASEAN’s digital future. “The Declaration highlights the importance of security, seamless connectivity, and inclusiveness in the digital era. It also stresses expanding access to digital technology in rural and remote areas, ensuring that digital opportunities are accessible to all,” wrote the OpenGovAsia website.
The 10 countries of ASEAN represent a diverse range of development, with one of the world’s most advanced economies to United Nations-designated Least Developed Countries. Nonetheless, all of them have digital sectors that are, to varying degrees, contributing to their economies.
According to OpenGovAsia, DEFA is designed to accelerate digital transformation across the region. It will strengthen cooperation in cybersecurity, online fraud prevention, and digital innovation.
“Additionally, the meeting discussed strategies to encourage investment in digital startups and related technologies, which will contribute to the region’s economic growth,” the website reported.
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