Digital connectivity: Bolstering technical development and shaping the digital economy in Southeast Asia

The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific explores digital connectivity’s impact on the economy in Southeast Asia, focusing on Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. Recommendations aim to enhance information technology development, promoting a sustainable digital economy. Collaboration between policymakers and regulatory entities is crucial, with an emphasis on inclusivity. Regional initiatives like the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway play a significant role in advancing this agenda.

The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) released a working paper that explores the intersection of connectivity and the digital economy in South-East Asia, namely in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam. It further outlines some recommendations to policymakers, authorities, and intergovernmental organizations on bolstering information and communications technology development and paving the way to a sustainable, inclusive and resilient digital economy in South-East Asia. According to the paper, affordable and reliable connectivity no longer falls under the sole jurisdiction of the ICT authorities. Therefore, policymakers and regulatory authorities should adopt a collaborative approach, noting the regulator sandboxes. This includes integrated programmes, projects, and works that should be delivered to build an inclusive region. One of the most relevant regional initiatives is the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway (AP-IS).