Marcos calls for public-private collaboration on digital economy

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for closer collaboration between public and private sectors in Southeast Asia to enhance the digital economy during an ASEAN leaders' meeting.

Marcos emphasized that the private sector plays a critical role in addressing challenges outlined in the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), highlighting its importance in driving digital commerce, industry growth, cybersecurity, and infrastructure readiness.

The President also supported the ASEAN Business Advisory Council's request for relevant government agencies to participate in forming the National Digital Transformation Center (DTC) Network Team, stressing that such collaboration aligns with national priorities and policies.

With the private sector's expertise and resources, Marcos said it can take the lead in digital commerce and industry while playing a pivotal role in mobilizing investment to enhance cybersecurity and infrastructure readiness.

The DEFA aims to transform ASEAN into an integrated digital economy, with potential growth reaching $1 trillion by 2030 if key technologies are adopted.

Marcos is currently in Lao DPR for the three-day ASEAN Summit.