ASEAN’s digital economy is currently valued at around USD 300 billion and is projected to reach USD 1 trillion by 2030. With DEFA fully implemented, this could grow further to as much as USD 2 trillion. She also noted that negotiations are moving fast and that the Philippines is optimistic DEFA will be signed during the 49th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in November.
This digital push complements the broader competitiveness agenda raised across the ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum and the ASEAN Business Environment Forum, where discussions emphasized the need for policy stability, lower business costs, faster digitalization, regulatory coherence, and stronger public-private collaboration.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier underscored this direction, stressing that ASEAN must prioritize policy stability, lower costs, and radical digitalization to return as a formidable force in the global economy.
The CBIP framework also reflects the Philippines’ effort to widen participation in the ASEAN economic agenda. Under its event guidelines, CBIP-led events are directly planned and executed by the committee, while CBIP-endorsed events are private sector-driven initiatives recognized for their alignment with ASEAN 2026 priorities and the Philippines’ Priority Economic Deliverables.
As the Chairship progresses, the Philippines will continue to use its ASEAN leadership to promote practical cooperation that strengthens regional supply chains, supports digital transformation, and improves the business environment across Southeast Asia.
Through these efforts, the Philippines aims to help position ASEAN as a more resilient, competitive, digitally connected, and opportunity-driven region.
