Impact Assessment and Roadmap for ASEAN Regional Digital Trade Transformation

The Project at A Glance

The main aims of Digital Trade Platforms (DTPs) are to make it easier, quicker, and cheaper to trade. As such, they can generate benefits domestically but joining up internationally offers the prospect of reducing costs for international trade. ASEAN’s capability to implement DTPs and to benefit from them depends on addressing a raft of practical constraints such as infrastructure and on legal and regulatory regimes being supportive.

International Economics, in collaboration with IMC WorldWide, conducted reasearch to assess the feasibility and impacts of creating an ASEAN regional digital trade facilitation system, through the creation of a private sector-led national DTP.

What We Found

The team assessed the current mechanism in each ASEAN member country and the existing gaps in advancing toward comprehensive digital trade facilitation in addition to providing guidance on standards required for interoperability and inclusion. International Economics assisted with evaluating the impacts of creating the ASEAN DTP and the key challenges to roll out such platforms and to link them to international trading partners. Specifically, International Economics led the stakeholder engagement activities, engaging with the Thai Bankers Association and ASEAN Business Advisory Council, as well as their advisers to assess current plans and proposals for integration and preparedness for cross-border collaboration. Finally, International Economics worked with key stakeholders to assess national preparedness by conducting interviews to inform answers to the key objectives of the project. The team also provided recommendations for regional trade connectivity within ASEAN and with major trade partners.

Our Strategy and Impact

The team undertook analysis based on secondary sources and information derived from interviews to provide the evidence base required for modelling benefits of enhanced trade facilitation. The team also conducted an impact assessment using the benefits estimates obtained from the modelling and cost estimates derived from literature. Sensitivity analysis and consideration of various scenarios was also carried out.

Our Core Solutions

With the rapid proliferation of trade agreements worldwide, there are new market and investment opportunities for countries to explore. At International Economics Consulting, based on our extensive experience in international trade, we help our clients grow by Identifying investment opportunities.

Changing political, economic and consumer profiles lead to new challenges and opportunities for investment. We help investors assess the opportunities in different markets, determine the feasibility and viability, and benchmark the wider eco-system to support business growth. We assess regulatory and policy barriers and incentives and connect with local businesses and policy makers.