Asean’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement will ensure no SMEs, MSMEs left behind, says Malaysian minister
DEFA may be finalised by this September or October; implementation aimed for 2026
Add BT as a preferred source
DeeperDive is a beta AI feature. Refer to full articles for the facts.
[KUALA LUMPUR] The efforts by South-east Asia to enhance trade and digital integration will ensure that more than 70 million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro-SMEs (MSMEs) are not left out, Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz said on Tuesday (Mar 11).
Speaking at the UK-Asean Business Forum in London, Tengku Zafrul expressed optimism about finalising the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) by September or October this year, aiming for implementation by 2026.
“The numbers are significant. If we can get this started by 2026, we’re looking at US$2 trillion of trade using e-commerce by 2030,” he said.
Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free.
Copyright SPH Media. All rights reserved.
TRENDING NOW
‘Boring’ is the new black: The stars are aligning for a Singapore stock market revival
Near sell-out launches in March boost developer sales to 1,300 units after four slow months
China pips the US if Asean is forced to choose, but analysts warn against reading it like a sports result
Genting Singapore’s Lim Kok Thay receives S$7.5 million pay package for FY2025
