KUALA LUMPUR: Asean aims to conclude negotiations for the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement (Defa) soon and have it signed next year, says Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
"As of now, we have achieved more than 70% (of the negotiations),” he told reporters after chairing the Asean Economic Community Council (AECC) Special Session on Defa here on Friday (Oct 24).
Earlier, during his opening remarks while chairing the session, Tengku Zafrul said two critical issues that require policy guidance by the council will be deliberated.
The two 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.
“I am confident that through our collective wisdom and leadership, today’s discussions will help chart a clear and actionable path towards the timely conclusion and signing of Defa by 2026.
"This will not only reaffirm Asean’s leadership in shaping the global digital economy, but also ensure that our people and businesses remain at the heart of this transformation," he said.
"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.
"That said, the issues before us remain complex and will require our strategic guidance and political direction to ensure that negotiations advance in a balanced, pragmatic and forward-looking manner," he added.
It was previously reported that Defa, which is set to propel the growth of the Asean digital economy to US$1 trillion (RM4.23 trillion) by 2030, will be signed next year.
