ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA): Opportunities and Challenges for Vietnam

Abstract

Vietnam is a key player in the ASEAN digital economy, focusing on digital integration and collaboration. The ASEAN Digital Integration Framework Action Plan 2019-2025 and the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 outline the policy landscape for digital integration. ASEAN member states have signed agreements and memorandums of understanding to foster cooperation in the digital economy. However, challenges such as skill gaps, cyber security, and regulatory gaps need to be addressed. The Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) is seen as a key venue for increasing cooperation and consistency of digital trade rules in the Asia-Pacific region. ASEAN has been actively involved in global and regional discussions on cybersecurity, aiming to galvanize regional states into collective action against malicious cyber activities. The 20th Asian Economic Community council adopted the Bandar Seri Begawan Roadmap (BSBR) to accelerate ASEAN's economic recovery and digital economy integration in October 2021. This article also applies a qualitative method with secondary data. Modular Digital Economy Agreements (DEA) may be an appropriate model for facilitating digital trade alignment with international trading partners.