ASEAN Convergence To Be Hastened With Digital Framework Pact Signing Targeted By 2026 - Tengku Zafrul

By Nurunnasihah Ahmad Rashid

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- ASEAN is confident of clearing an actionable path towards a timely conclusion of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) by 2026, which will reaffirm the region’s role in shaping the global digital economy, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

He said ASEAN aims to substantially conclude the DEFA negotiations this year and have it signed in 2026.

“As of now, we have achieved more than 70 per cent (in negotiations),” he told reporters after chairing the ASEAN Economic Community Council (AECC) Special Session on DEFA here today.

The Minister said the special session provides a timely platform for member states to take stock of the progress made in the deal negotiations and, more importantly, to deliberate on two critical issues that require policy guidance.

“The issues are the treatment of customs duties on electronic transmissions and the application of financial services commitments with respect to the location of computing facilities,” he said.

Tengku Zafrul said ASEAN will also receive an update on the work plan towards the full conclusion of DEFA, which will serve as a strategic roadmap for the region’s continued collective efforts, by 2026.

“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 Negotiating Committee reflects our shared commitment to deliver DEFA as one of Malaysia’s Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) for this year,” he said.

Tengku Zafrul said it is heartening to note the growing convergence among ASEAN member states across several chapters, driven by the strong coordination of the DEFA Negotiating Committee and the valuable support of the ASEAN Secretariat.

However, he noted that the issues before the region remain complex and 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 (MSMEs), start-ups and communities across ASEAN can fully benefit from a trusted, secure and interoperable digital ecosystem.

“In this spirit, let us be guided by ASEAN’s enduring principles of consensus, inclusivity and mutual benefit, while remaining bold and forward-looking in our ambition to deliver a high-quality, future-ready DEFA that reflects both the dynamism and diversity of our region,” he added.

The AECC Special Session, organised by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, was held in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits taking place from Oct 26 to 28, 2025, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

-- BERNAMA