ASEAN digitalization

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez (center) calls on ASEAN member states to accelerate the digital transformation of the region at the interface of the ASEAN Economic Community Council Ministers and Digital Ministers hosted by Brunei Darussalam via video conference. Lopez says the Philippines and ASEAN have long recognized the importance of the digital economy with early agreements such as the E-ASEAN Framework Agreement (2000) and the ASEAN Single Window Agreement (2005) . With the COVID-19 pandemic boosting the growth and reach of the digital economy and its potential as a viable engine for economic growth and recovery, Lopez emphasizes the growing importance of effective collaboration among ASEAN sectoral bodies.