Italian and ASEAN businesses join forces in digital transformation.

At the 9th ASEAN-Italy High-Level Dialogue on Economic Relations, ASEAN officials and Italian businesses affirmed the crucial role of digital economic cooperation in the context of a changing global landscape.

Speakers discuss promoting ASEAN-Italy relations at the forum - Photo: THANH HIEP

The 9th ASEAN-Italy High-Level Dialogue on Economic Relations, held in Binh Duong Ward (Ho Chi Minh City) on November 13th, recorded strong consensus on the importance of digital transformation.

Cambodian Senior Minister for Multilateral Trade and Economic Affairs Sok Siphana emphasized: "ASEAN is no longer a region focused on low value-added products. We are positioning ourselves to become a digital economic hub."

The golden opportunity has arrived.

Simone Ciampi, CEO of Exprivia's Asia branch – a leading Italian IT company – said that just a few years ago, it was difficult to discuss digital transformation for both the public and private sectors in Asia. However, in the last three years, digital investment has been discussed by all parties involved.

"We are at a point where governments realize that digital transformation and AI are receiving significant attention. This is especially important because no matter what industry you are in, no matter what kind of innovation you want to pursue, it all relies on digital information," he said.

This Italian entrepreneur proposed that parties build a step-by-step digital transformation process based on infrastructure, machinery, and technology. Once these steps are firmly established, businesses can move towards collecting and analyzing data to ultimately achieve the goal of artificial intelligence tools that allow companies to leverage their own data.

"This is the path we need to follow, and the time has come. Governments are investing in infrastructure and education to train students in IT and engineering skills. They are willing to invest in data centers and other critical infrastructure," Ciampi shared.

The CEO of Exprivia's Asia branch affirmed that Italian companies can play a crucial role. Thanks to their accumulated experience in their home country, Italian businesses can partner with Asian companies in their digital transformation.

Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Loc Ha speaks at the forum - Photo: THANH HIEP

ASEAN repositions itself.

Cambodian Senior Minister Sok Siphana affirmed that ASEAN is repositioning itself to become a key player in global affairs. In this new context, ASEAN has a strategic position and can play a central role in global trade and logistics.

In response to the changing global economy, ASEAN has upgraded the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), taking into account many emerging trends such as green manufacturing, digital trade, and electronic rules of origin management systems. In addition, the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Digital Economy (DEFA) is also expected to be completed in 2026.

In an exclusive interview with Tuoi Tre newspaper, the Cambodian senior minister emphasized that DEFA will be the framework enabling ASEAN to build a common ecosystem for e-commerce, digital trade, and technology. Thanks to DEFA, ASEAN will boost cross-border trade, and the main beneficiaries will be the younger generation with their technological expertise.

"DEFA will allow ASEAN, as a collective, to truly benefit from international trade, not only traditional trade but also e-commerce. There are also benefits in digital payments and data. Once this ecosystem and framework are established, we will grow together," Mr. Sok emphasized.

Echoing Mr. Sok's sentiments, Philippine Undersecretary of Trade and Industry Allan B. Gepty reiterated how technology is changing the way people work. To fully seize these opportunities, ASEAN must invest in retraining and upskilling, ensuring that ASEAN workers remain competitive and ready for the high-value roles that innovation brings.

According to Mr. Gepty, Italy's leading role in digital governance, cybersecurity, and smart manufacturing offers important insights for ASEAN. Investing in digital skills, innovation ecosystems, and institutions will determine the extent to which ASEAN can effectively develop higher-value services and export knowledge.

The Philippine Deputy Minister affirmed: "With the Philippines holding the ASEAN chairmanship in 2026, we ensure that these priorities are clearly reflected in the economic agenda. With Italy as a partner, ASEAN can undertake this transition comprehensively, ready for the future."

Ho Chi Minh City is ready to contribute to building the ASEAN community.

In his closing remarks at the forum, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Loc Ha emphasized that Ho Chi Minh City is proud to host the event for the first time, viewing it as an important opportunity to promote foreign relations and international integration.

He affirmed: "Through this forum, Ho Chi Minh City hopes to play a proactive role in regional and international cooperation initiatives, contributing to the overall development of the ASEAN community. Ho Chi Minh City is ready to share its capabilities, experience, and initiatives to work with ASEAN in building a more united, resilient, and sustainable community."

Speaking to Tuoi Tre newspaper, Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Marco Della Seta said that the Italian diplomatic mission always supports and assists Italian businesses investing in the digital economy in Vietnam.

According to him, Vietnam clearly demonstrates its strengths through its political vision and its system of regulations and policies on the digital economy. The Ambassador expressed confidence that these factors will help Vietnam build a favorable environment for the development of high technology.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/doanh-nghiep-y-asean-dong-hanh-chuyen-doi-so-20251113232053288.htm