Italian - ASEAN businesses join hands in digital transformation

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

Speakers discussed the issue of 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 13 recorded a strong consensus on the importance of digital transformation.

"ASEAN is no longer a region focused on low value-added products. We are positioning ourselves to become a digital economic hub," said Cambodia's Senior Minister for Special Tasks on Trade and Multilateral Economy , Sok Siphana.

The golden time has come

Simone Ciampi, CEO of Exprivia, 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 past three years, digital investment has been mentioned by all parties.

“We are at a point where governments are realizing that digital transformation and AI are getting significant attention. This is especially important because no matter what industry you are in, no matter how you want to innovate, it is all based on digital information,” he said.

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

“This is the path we need to take and the time is right. Governments are investing in infrastructure, education to train students in IT and engineering skills. They are willing to invest in data centers and other critical infrastructure,” Mr. Ciampi shared.

Exprivia CEO in Asia affirmed that Italian companies can play an important role. Thanks to the experience accumulated at home, Italian businesses will accompany Asian companies in carrying out digital transformation.

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

ASEAN repositions its position

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

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

Speaking exclusively to Tuoi Tre, the Cambodian senior minister emphasized that DEFA will be the framework that allows 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 young generation with the strength of understanding technology.

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

Agreeing with Mr. Sok, Philippine Trade and Industry Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty reiterated how technology is changing the way people work. To fully grasp these opportunities, ASEAN must invest in reskilling and upskilling, ensuring that ASEAN workers remain competitive and ready for the high-value roles that innovation brings.

Italy’s leadership in digital governance, cybersecurity and smart manufacturing offers important implications for ASEAN, Gepty said. Investment in digital skills, innovation ecosystems and institutions will determine how effectively ASEAN can develop higher-value services and knowledge exports.

"With the Philippines as ASEAN chair in 2026, we will ensure that these priorities are clearly reflected in the economic agenda. With Italy as our partner, ASEAN can make this transition comprehensive and future-ready," the Philippine Undersecretary affirmed.

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

In his closing speech 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, considering this an important occasion to promote foreign affairs and international integration.

He affirmed: "Through the forum, Ho Chi Minh City wishes to promote its proactive role in regional and international cooperation initiatives, contributing to the common development of the ASEAN community. Ho Chi Minh City is ready to share its capacity, experience and initiatives to join ASEAN in building a more united, self-reliant and sustainable community."

Speaking with Tuoi Tre, Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Marco Della Seta said that the Italian diplomatic representative agency always supports and assists Italian businesses to invest 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 his belief that these factors will help Vietnam build a favorable environment for high-tech development.

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