Digital transformation is a key priority for ASEAN as the innovation and adoption of technologies facilitate and catalyse economic development and integration across the region and beyond. A critical enabler of digital transformation is the harmonisation of digital trade standards (DTS), which plays a central role in aligning the diverse digital ecosystems of ASEAN member states (AMS). By establishing common frameworks and protocols, ASEAN can create a more interoperable digital environment, reduce barriers to digital trade, and provide businesses and consumers with greater access to regional and global markets.

Based on Access Partnership’s analysis of digital economy agreements (DEAs) and free trade agreements (FTAs) with commitments to harmonise DTS (e.g., e-authentication, e-commerce, e-invoicing, paperless trade, digital payments) between 2018-2021, it is estimated that DTS harmonisation has increased exports by 9.9% for economies with harmonised DTS than those without. If similar harmonisation were achieved across AMS, it is estimated that up to US$158 billion (equivalent to 4.5% of the region’s GDP) could be added to AMS economies, and almost 10 million jobs could be supported across the region.