Asean to set AI cooperation rules
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is set to lay down common rules on how artificial intelligence (AI) should be used and governed across its member states, particularly as concerns over the technology grow.
According to Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty, the planned Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement (Defa) would not only tackle economic integration across the region but also set guardrails for how advanced technologies—such as AI—should be governed.
The Defa would also seek to establish a regional framework for cooperation on AI, including the reskilling and upskilling of workers as adoption of the technology accelerates across the region.
“Even governance and the responsible use of artificial intelligence are also included,” Gepty said at a briefing ahead of the Asean Economic Ministers’ meeting in Manila.
Gepty said Defa negotiations had already concluded and the text had undergone legal scrubbing. Heads of state of Asean member countries are expected to sign the agreement during their summit in Manila in November.
The Defa is intended to accelerate Asean’s digital transformation and enhance regional economic integration by improving cooperation in digital trade, e-commerce, electronic payments, cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
“For businesses, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises, this can help create a more predictable and trusted environment for selling, transacting and expanding across Asean,” Gepty said.
Asean’s digital economy is projected to reach $2 trillion by 2030 from about $1 trillion.
The Defa is only one of the 19 priority economic deliverables the Philippines has set for its Asean chairship.
During meetings from Sept. 19 to 22, member-states’ economic ministers are also expected to discuss the implementation and general review of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
Gepty said the review could explore incorporating newer trade disciplines covering digital trade, sustainable development, inclusivity and emerging technologies such as AI or upgrading existing provisions in these areas.
