ASEAN aims to conclude digital economy pact negotiations in 2025

Rules for online businesses promise an 'engine of growth,' secretary-general says

20241218 ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn speaks to Nikkei Asia during an interview in Tokyo on Dec. 18. (Photo by Suzu Takahashi)

YUICHI SHIGA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- ASEAN next year intends to conclude a regionwide framework that sets rules on cross-border e-commerce and other digital services, bloc Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn told Nikkei Asia.

ASEAN member countries started Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) negotiations in 2023, seeking to empower digital businesses across the region by creating a safe online environment.

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