ASEAN outlines digital integration priorities and cooperation opportunities with Hong Kong, China
Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn participated in and delivered a keynote address at the 2026 DEFA Foresight and Strategic Cooperation Pre-Summit Forum in Hong Kong, China, outlining ASEAN’s vision for regional integration and opportunities for deeper economic cooperation. His address highlighted the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) and areas where ASEAN and Hong Kong, China, could pursue closer cooperation in the digital economy.
The forum provided an occasion for discussion on ASEAN’s digital economy and regional integration priorities. Dr. Kao used the platform to highlight the role of DEFA in supporting digital transformation in the region and to outline potential areas for cooperation between ASEAN and Hong Kong, China.
Dr. Kao described DEFA as a major milestone in ASEAN’s digital transformation and noted that its effective implementation could help expand the region’s digital economy to as much as USD 2 trillion by 2030. The agreement was presented as an important framework for advancing digital economic integration and supporting opportunities arising from the region’s expanding digital economy.
In his address, the ASEAN Secretary-General also identified several areas for closer cooperation between ASEAN and Hong Kong, China. These included digital trade, fintech and digital payments, trusted cross-border data flows, online safety and cybersecurity.
Emerging digital technologies were also highlighted, with artificial intelligence (AI) identified as an area offering further opportunities for cooperation. The discussion reflected ASEAN’s focus on developing digital capabilities and creating an enabling environment for greater digital economic activity.
The forum therefore provided a platform for Dr. Kao to outline ASEAN’s priorities for digital integration while highlighting potential areas of cooperation with Hong Kong, China. His participation also underscored the role of DEFA in supporting ASEAN’s digital economy objectives towards 2030.
Source: ASEAN
