OECD review highlights growth and regulatory challenges in ASEAN digital trade
The report calls for improved data flow and policy alignment.
The OECD has published a Digital Trade Review of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, examining regional growth in digital trade and related regulatory challenges. According to the report, ASEAN digital trade exports reached approximately US$387 billion.
The OECD said ASEAN benefits from trade openness, increasing digital adoption, and evolving regional policy initiatives. The report noted that uneven participation and fragmented domestic regulations may limit further digital trade integration across the region.
The review identified barriers, including restrictions affecting cross-border data flows, telecommunications, digital services, and trade facilitation systems. The OECD highlighted the importance of regulatory alignment and progress towards paperless trade systems.
The report also discussed opportunities related to AI adoption, including reforms linked to tariffs, data flows, and digital services regulation. These findings underline the importance of coordinated reforms to strengthen ASEAN’s role in the global digital economy.
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