MANILA – Business groups and policymakers are urging stronger collaboration and accelerated workforce training across Southeast Asia as ASEAN moves toward adopting a landmark Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) during the Philippines’ chairmanship this year.
The recommendations were highlighted during the fourth roundtable of the 2026 Philippine ASEAN Chairship Roundtable Series on Digital Economy and Workforce Development held in Pasig City on March 19.
The forum, organized by the US-ASEAN Business Council and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines, brought together senior government officials, private sector representatives, and development partners to discuss strategies for supporting the region’s expanding digital landscape.
According to USABC Philippines chief representative Herminio Bagro, ASEAN’s digital economy is growing rapidly, but regulatory and policy systems must evolve just as quickly to support innovation and investment.
Bagro said the DEFA offers a chance to create coordinated policies among ASEAN members, improve digital infrastructure, and ensure workforce training programs match the needs of industries operating in the digital economy.
Currently under negotiation, the DEFA aims to become the first regional digital economy agreement of its kind worldwide. It will cover key areas including cybersecurity, cross-border data transfers, digital payments, paperless trade, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain.
Participants also emphasized the need for trusted and interoperable digital systems and transparent rules governing cross-border data movement to encourage regional digital trade.
TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez, who joined the discussion, said the Philippines plans to maximize its ASEAN chairmanship to help steer the region toward a more digitally connected future.
He noted that developing a digitally capable workforce will play a decisive role in determining whether ASEAN economies can keep pace with global technological transformation.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro earlier said the DEFA is expected to be signed in November during the second ASEAN Leaders’ Summit to be hosted by the Philippines in Manila.
The roundtable series will wrap up with a final session on artificial intelligence on April 14. The recommendations gathered from the discussions will help shape a Strategic Action Plan to be unveiled ahead of the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in May.
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