Asia Regional Integration Center

Digital transformation has created both opportunities and challenges for economies inthe Asia Pacific region. This session will discuss how digitalization opportunities can beleveraged, such as in the context of credit and payments systems, transformation ofbusinesses, the economic participation of SMEs, ESG adoption, and the transition to agreen economy. It will highlight the importance of an enabling ecosystem and discusshow development policies nationally, and development cooperation internationally,can help countries in promoting inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.

Robust and inclusive digital infrastructure is the backbone of digital trade and ecommerce.This session explores how connectivity, digital public infrastructure (includingdigital IDs, payment systems, and data exchanges), and interoperable platforms canexpand access for SMEs and vulnerable groups. It will highlight the role of logistics anddelivery networks, as well as innovations in cross-border payment systems and digitalwallets, in reducing barriers to participation in e-commerce. The session will also examinehow public–private partnerships can scale digital public goods that enable trust, security,and inclusion across ASEAN and Asia.

In a world where digital trade and e-commerce are rapidly reshaping access to markets,having the right infrastructure is necessary—but not sufficient. Access alone does notequal inclusion. For meaningful participation, people and businesses—especially MSMEs, women, young entrepreneurs, elderly, and rural communities—must be equipped withdigital skills.

Digital readiness is most strongly driven by human capital: firms in countries with highdigital skill readiness are far more likely to be expert users of e-commerce, marketing,and communications tools. Skills development makes a difference, particularly forotherwise excluded populations.

Alongside digital skills, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a new frontier oftransformation—presenting opportunities to automate, translate, and connect, but alsorisks of exclusion, bias, and control centralization. This session is about aligning thesetwo forces: upskilling people while leveraging AI responsibly so that inclusion andaccessibility are embedded into digital trade ecosystems—not left to chance.

Digital trade is inherently cross-border, but fragmentation in rules, standards, andsystems raises costs for SMEs and risks excluding vulnerable groups. Regional integrationthrough ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), as well as lessons fromglobal frameworks such as DEPA, can help reduce these barriers. At the same time,cooperation must go beyond rules to cover key enablers of trust and inclusion: crossborderdata flows, consumer and privacy protection, digital payments interoperability,and cybersecurity.

This session will explore how regional and international cooperation can create a morepredictable, trusted, and inclusive digital trade environment for SMEs, womenentrepreneurs, and LDCs.

Even with infrastructure and skills in place, inclusion depends on the rules of the game.Unequal access, market concentration, and fragmented regulations risk excluding SMEsand vulnerable consumers. Stronger frameworks for competition, consumer protection,and cross-border regulatory alignment can ensure fairness and build trust in digitaltrade. This session will explore how policies can be designed to expand accessibilityand inclusivity.