The leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have signed documents that commit them to work together closely on food security and the digital economy for years to come.
The documents include the ASEAN Integrated Food Security (AIFS) Framework and Strategic Plan of Action on Food Security in the ASEAN Region (SPA-FS) 2021-2025, which aim to ensure long-term food security and nutrition, and improve the livelihoods of farmers in ASEAN. They also include the ASEAN Guidelines on Promoting the Utilization of Digital Technologies in Food and Agriculture Sector, which provide a framework for information exchange, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing among ASEAN countries and stakeholders.
The leaders also launched ASEAN-level discussions on a Digital Economic Framework Agreement (DEFA), which is expected to be completed in 2025. The DEFA will outline the strategic directions and initiatives for ASEAN’s digital transformation, as well as measure and monitor the level of digital integration among ASEAN countries.