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Suphajee to sign DEFA and push ACFTA 3.0/ATIGA

Suphajee to sign DEFA and push ACFTA 3.0/ATIGA

MGR Online•Economy•45m ago

Reader Briefing

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthamphan will attend the 49th ASEAN Summit to sign the DEFA agreement and announce the implementation of ACFTA 3.0.

  • •Suphajee Suthamphan will attend the 49th ASEAN Summit from November 15-17, 2026, in Manila, Philippines.
  • •The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) will be signed during the summit.
  • •The upgraded ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA 3.0) is scheduled for official enforcement on December 1, 2026.
  • •Progress on the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) will be presented to ASEAN leaders.

Overview

  • •Suphajee Suthamphan is scheduled to join the Prime Minister at the 49th ASEAN Summit between November 15-17, 2026, in Manila, Republic of the Philippines.
  • •Suphajee Suthamphan will sign the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which is the world's first regional digital trade agreement.
  • •The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) negotiations were successfully concluded in May 2026, with Thailand serving as the chair of the negotiating committee.
  • •The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) aims to reduce digital trade barriers and promote international standards in paperless trade, electronic payments, and digital identity.
  • •The upgraded ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA 3.0) will be officially enforced on December 1, 2026.
  • •ACFTA 3.0 allows for the customs clearance of perishable goods within 6 hours, which will speed up Thai fruit and agricultural exports to China.
  • •The upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) is expected to take effect by the end of this year to improve trade facilitation and reduce obstacles.
  • •Suphajee Suthamphan will propose 31 key outcomes of the ASEAN Economic Community pillar to ASEAN leaders.

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Key Entities

Person

Suphajee Suthamphan(ศุภจี สุธรรมพันธุ์)
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce responsible for the ASEAN Economic Community pillar.

Policy

ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement(ความตกลงเศรษฐกิจดิจิทัลอาเซียน)
The world's first regional digital trade agreement aimed at reducing digital trade barriers.
ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0(ความตกลงการค้าเสรีอาเซียน-จีนฉบับยกระดับ)
An upgraded free trade agreement between ASEAN and China scheduled for enforcement on December 1, 2026.
ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement(ความตกลงการค้าสินค้าอาเซียน)
A trade agreement regarding goods within ASEAN that is currently undergoing an upgrade to improve trade facilitation.

Place

Manila(มะนิลา)ℹ️
The city in the Republic of the Philippines where the 49th ASEAN Summit is held.
Republic of the Philippines(สาธารณรัฐฟิลิปปินส์)ℹ️
The country hosting the 49th ASEAN Summit.
China(จีน)ℹ️
A key trading partner and participant in the ASEAN-China Summit.
Japan(ญี่ปุ่น)ℹ️
A key trading partner and dialogue partner of ASEAN.
Australia(ออสเตรเลีย)ℹ️
A key trading partner and dialogue partner of ASEAN.
South Korea(เกาหลีใต้)ℹ️
A key trading partner and dialogue partner of ASEAN.
India(อินเดีย)ℹ️
A key trading partner and dialogue partner of ASEAN.
USA(สหรัฐฯ)ℹ️
A key trading partner and dialogue partner of ASEAN.

Organization

Ministry of Commerce(กระทรวงพาณิชย์)ℹ️
The ministry headed by Suphajee Suthamphan.
ASEAN(อาเซียน)ℹ️
A regional organization involving member states and the Economic Community pillar.