Nay Pyi Taw, 30 May
ASEAN member states successfully reached agreement on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) at the second meeting of the 57th ASEAN Senior Economic Officials Meeting, held in Manila, Philippines, from 27 to 29 May 2026.
Negotiations began in 2023 with the aim of establishing a comprehensive framework to accelerate ASEAN’s transformation in the digital economy, digital cooperation and digital integration. DEFA is a legally binding agreement among ASEAN member states.
ASEAN established a negotiating committee for the agreement. The Information Technology and Cyber Security Department, Ministry of Digital Development and Communications, served as Myanmar’s lead focal point, participating actively with other member states in the negotiations and regional digital economic integration.
DEFA covers digital trade, cross-border e-commerce, data governance and privacy, digital identity, electronic payments, online safety and cybersecurity cooperation, competition policy, emerging digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, and digital skills. It is a high-quality, forward-looking agreement built on existing ASEAN integration initiatives, including the ASEAN Single Window, regional digital payment connectivity, cross-border data-flow initiatives, online consumer protection and the ASEAN Unique Business Identification Number (UBIN). Research estimates that successful implementation could raise ASEAN’s digital economy to USD 2 trillion by 2030.
The agreement can create a better digital environment for all businesses, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, by improving regional connectivity, strengthening confidence in online transactions and reducing barriers to cross-border digital trade. DEFA is also a framework for regional development and integration, intended to distribute the benefits of digital transformation fairly among member states.
Work will continue towards signing the agreement at the 28th ASEAN Economic Community Council Meeting and the 49th ASEAN Summit in November 2026. It is expected to become an important milestone in ASEAN’s digital integration and a foundation for a more connected, innovative and prosperous regional economy.
