Indonesia and Singapore discussed accelerating bilateral and regional cooperation in the digital economy during a meeting between Airlangga Hartarto and Gan Kim Yong at the 24th ASEAN Economic Community Council Meeting in Laos
COORDINATING Minister for Economic Affairs, Mr. Airlangga Hartarto, represented the Indonesian government in a meeting with Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr. Gan Kim Yong, to enhance cooperation in the digital economy. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 24th ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council Meeting in Vientiane, Laos, October 7th, 2024.
During the discussion, Mr. Airlangga acknowledged the varying levels of ambition, interests, and capacities among ASEAN member states regarding the digital economy. He emphasised the need for pragmatic and innovative approaches to meet ASEAN’s digital economy targets. Key topics of the meeting included the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), the Tech Pilot program, and Indonesia’s intention to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
The ASEAN DEFA negotiations, which began under Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship, are expected to reach 50% completion by 2024, with substantial progress targeted by 2025. DEFA is projected to become the first comprehensive digital economy agreement in the world, boosting ASEAN’s digital economy value to USD 2 trillion by 2030.
Mr. Airlangga and Mr. Gan also discussed the Tech Pilot program, which was initiated during the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat at the Bogor Palace on April 29th, 2024. This initiative promotes the mobility of professionals in the technology sector between the two countries, and Airlangga encouraged broader participation from businesses and universities.
In addition, Singapore expressed its support for Indonesia’s desire to join the CPTPP, further strengthening regional economic ties. Both ministers also exchanged views on strategic issues impacting the region, including the Middle East conflict, the upcoming U.S. presidential election, and the development of renewable energy and green technology in ASEAN.
Source: Antaranews
