ASEAN: Announced substantial conclusion of ASEAN Digital Economic Framework Agreement negotiations

On 24 October 2025, the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council announced the substantial conclusion of negotiations on a Digital Economic Framework Agreement (DEFA). The ASEAN DEFA is intended to facilitate cross-border digital trade by enabling digital payments, cross-border data transfers, and ensuring data privacy. The DEFA also aligns with the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records. DEFA also covers emerging areas such as talent mobility cooperation, cooperation on emerging technologies such as AI, competition policy, online safety, and source code. The ASEAN Economic Community Council tasked the Negotiation Council with working towards a full conclusion and signing by 2026.