Asean steps up drive toward regional digital economy pact

KUALA LUMPUR: The 26th Asean Economic Community Council (AECC) meeting serves as a crucial platform to review and accelerate progress on the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said.

He said the meeting will deliberate on two critical issues, namely the treatment of customs duties on electronic transmissions and the application of financial services commitments with respect to the location of computing facilities.

“In addition, we will also receive an update on the Work Plan towards the full conclusion of DEFA by 2026, which will serve as a strategic roadmap for our continued collective efforts. Following the 14th DEFA Negotiating Committee Meeting held earlier this month, I am encouraged by the steady and tangible progress achieved since our first special session on Aug 28, 2025.

“The ongoing work of the committee reflects our shared commitment to deliver DEFA as one of Malaysia’s priority economic deliverables for this year. It is heartening to note the growing convergence among Asean member states across several chapters, driven by the strong coordination of the committee and the valuable support of the Asean Secretariat,” he said in his opening remarks.

He added that the complexity of the matters will require strategic guidance and political direction to ensure that negotiations advance in a balanced, pragmatic, and forward-looking manner.

“DEFA is not only about accelerating digital trade and innovation, but also about ensuring inclusivity and equitable participation so that our micro, small and medium enterprises start-ups, and communities across Asean can fully benefit from a trusted, secure, and interoperable digital ecosystem,” he added.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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