The exponential growth of the digital economy in Asia is driving large numbers of firms and consumers online. Digital ecosystems, regional platforms, 5G technology, digital financial services and payments are key trends that feature prominently in ‘new generation trade agreements’ in Asia. Trade agreements such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the Digital Economic Partnership Agreement (DEPA), among others, are trying to create a multilateral framework to tackle these critical issues. However, national governments in the region are still struggling to manage and regulate these trends. The results often lead to contentious issues, including inconsistent data policy, digital taxation and consumer protection rules.

Against this backdrop, the online conference ‘Digital Asia: Crafting Responsive Trade Policies’ was organized by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung’s (KAS) Regional Economic Programme Asia (SOPAS) and held on 9 September 2021 (Thursday) from 17:00 – 18:30 JST (10:00 – 11:30 CST).

You can find the webinar recording below: