In the region of the’ASEAN, the ability to use an Internet connection is growing rapidly, recording a steady flow of 125 thousand new users accessing the Internet daily. Qhe positive trend offers important opportunities for companies interested in targeting their exports to ASEAN, in as much as digital growth in the area can bring considerable benefits, given the expansion of markets and access to new customers.
In fact, it is expected that the’digital economy of ASEAN will contribute significantly to its growth, adding about $1 trillion to GDP over the next decade.
To best capture the potential of this upward trend, important policy measures and working frameworks have already been outlined, including the’AEC Blueprint 2025, l’e-ASEAN Framework Agreement, and the’ASEANen Digital Masterplan 2025.
Thus, there are a number of actions taken with the aim of enhancing the digital sector in the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which include Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia and the Philippines. These are precisely the nations that are rapidly emerging as a globally significant technology hub.
The huge influx of investment from Chinese and American companies in the digital sector has resulted in active competition to offer greater connectivity and advanced services.
This is of fundamental importance for the’export to ASEAN, as the development and economic competitiveness of the region are fostered.
ASEAN's digital plan, known as the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 (ADM2025), adopted in 2021 in the context of the “Putrajaya Declaration,” aims to achieve crucial goals such as post-pandemic economic recovery and digital infrastructure enhancement.
It represents not only an opportunity for technological innovation, but also a means of consolidating ASEAN's unity and independence.
However, the area faces the challenge of maintaining neutrality, considering the importance of Chinese, American and Japanese investments in the regional digital infrastructure. The technology war between China and the U.S. has an impact on regional dynamics, especially in 5G network deployment, where ASEAN countries have not yet reached a uniform position.
In addition, other nations such as Japan are intensifying cooperation with ASEAN in the digital sector. This cooperation, reflected in the’ASEAN-Japan ICT Work Plan, emphasizes the growing role of the ASEAN region as a global laboratory for digital innovation.
Then there are initiatives such as “ASEAN Seeds for the Future“, carried out in collaboration with Huawei, which aim to build an inclusive digital ecosystem by focusing efforts on developing local ICT talent and participation in the digital society.
The renewal of this partnership highlights the area's commitment to sustainability, especially with regard to the growth of state-of-the-art networks, thus offering new perspectives and advantages for exports to Asean.
ASEAN is already a key destination for digital exports and a fertile ground for innovation, counting a population of more than 650 million inhabitants. However, the area is a patchwork of ten nations, each with different regulations, languages and sizes.
For Italian companies eager to expand their operations in ASEAN markets and take advantage of the region's growing digital potential, it is essential to carefully consider these complexities and adopt targeted strategies. These may include working with local partners and carefully monitoring the distribution of their products.
What are the steps to consider in a strategic plan that has export as its focus in ASEAN, considering its increasing digitization?
Understanding the ASEAN context and digitization initiatives therefore provides Italian entrepreneurs with a competitive advantage by seizing new business opportunities.
The Vietnam, one of the top exporting countries in ASEAN, is actively working to promote digital transformation at the national level, as well as benefiting from digitization initiatives throughout the region.
L’Information and Communication Infrastructure Master Plan, outlined by the country's Ministry of Information and Communications, aims to transform Vietnam into a regionally significant technology center by 2030.
Through a series of initiatives, such as the development of high-speed Internet networks, the establishment of green data centers and the establishment of specialized IT parks, Vietnam aims not only to boost its digital economy but also to emerge as a leader in cybersecurity in Asia.
The adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing is encouraged, with the goal of integrating digital technology into every aspect of the country's economic and social life.
Key goals of the plan include ensuring Internet coverage to 99% of the population and transition to IPv6 by 2025.
The Vietnam is thus preparing the ground for significant expansion in the technology and digital sector, positioning itself to compete globally and sustain its economic growth and innovation.
Octagona is the ideal partner to support you in your journey of growth and discovery of the digital opportunities of this region. With our internationalization consulting, we identify the best strategies for the’export to ASEAN, optimizing your growth potential in the markets. Contact us now to get more information.
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