In order to further strengthen the ASEAN’s digital regulatory integration, the ASEAN Digital Integration Framework (DIF) was finalised in 2018, which identified five policy areas that are critical in overcoming barriers to digital integration, which includes the digital connectivity, financial ecosystems, commerce and trade, workforce transformation, and business ecosystems[1]. The DIF was eventually translated into the Digital Integration Framework Action Plan 2019–2025 (DIFAP 2019-2025), which outlined concrete initiatives to accelerate digital transformation and intra-regional trade.

During the implementation of the digital integration framework and workplan, the Covid-19 pandemic catalysed and brought to the fore the need to articulate a cohesive digital transformation strategy for ASEAN that considers various ongoing digitalisation action plans and frameworks vis-à-vis recent developments. This is critical to help the region to recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19 and build a resilient foundation for the region’s growing digital economy towards an ASEAN Digital Economy, where the seamless and secure flow of goods, services, and data is underpinned by enabling rules, regulation, infrastructure, and talent. In 2021, ASEAN Leaders issued the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on Advancing Digital Transformation, highlighting the critical role of digital transformation in fostering an inclusive and robust recovery while building long-term resilience against future challenges and crises. Consequently, ASEAN adopted the Bandar Seri Begawan Roadmap (BSBR): An ASEAN Digital Transformation Agenda to Accelerate ASEAN’s Economic Recovery and Digital Economy Integration in 2021[2], and the roadmap outlines ASEAN’s strategic approach to digital trade integration as part of a broader digital transformation agenda using a phased implementation approach over a five-year period.

Cross-cutting efforts across 17 ASEAN sectoral bodies in implementing the BSBR have advanced the region’s digital integration agenda. Building upon these strategic roadmaps and coordinated efforts, ASEAN has implemented concrete initiatives to accelerate digital regulatory integration and collaboration. Moving forward, upon the conclusion and signing of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) in 2026, efforts will also be focused to implement the Agreement.