ASEAN Secretary-General Highlights Digital Economy Framework Agreement
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn said on September 7 that the bloc is working to unlock the region's digital economy potential under the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA). Member states have concluded negotiations and are advancing domestic procedures, with the agreement set to be signed at the 49th ASEAN Summit in November 2026. A proposed 'ASEAN Golden Corridor' aims to integrate regional economic resources and promote cross-border infrastructure and digital industry synergy.
In an exclusive interview on September 7, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn stated that ASEAN is committed to unlocking the region's digital economy potential, driven by the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).
All ASEAN member states have completed negotiations on the agreement, and each is now advancing the relevant domestic procedures. The agreement is scheduled to be formally signed at the 49th ASEAN Summit in November 2026.
Additionally, a related forum has proposed the concept of an 'ASEAN Golden Corridor,' which aims to further integrate regional economic resources and promote the coordinated development of cross-border infrastructure and digital industries. Currently, ASEAN member states are coordinating on implementation details following the agreement's signing to ensure the smooth rollout of the digital economy framework.