Jakarta, 19 June 2024: ERIA hosted a workshop focused on advancing Good Regulatory Practices (GRP) in services, particularly in response to the rapid evolution of digital technology. The event aimed to bolster ongoing initiatives of the APEC Economic Committee and Group on Services (APEC EC-GOS) concerning service sectors and structural reforms. Esteemed experts and policymakers convened to discuss the adaptation of regulatory frameworks in the digital era.

The workshop commenced with welcome remarks from the President of ERIA, Tetsuya Watanabe, who emphasised the critical need to adapt regulatory frameworks to keep pace with technological advancements and regional economic integration efforts. He reaffirmed ERIA's commitment to supporting ASEAN economies in adopting effective regulatory practices.

Christopher Langman, Chair of the Australian Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (AusPECC), provided an introductory overview that framed the day’s discussions, underscoring the necessity of new frameworks to facilitate the digitalisation of services trade and the application of artificial intelligence (AI).

The first session featured presentations by Sherry Stephenson and Dr Mia Mikic from the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC). Their presentation, titled ‘Good Regulatory Practice for Services in the Digital Era – Challenges for APEC,’ explored significant regulatory challenges faced by APEC economies in the digital era, emphasising issues of interoperability and the importance of cooperation amongst member economies. They highlighted successful regulatory adaptations to emerging technologies within the region.

Dr Intan Murnira Ramli, Senior Policy Fellow at ERIA, followed with a presentation on ‘Good Regulatory Practice for Services in the Digital Era – Challenges for ASEAN.’ Dr Intan provided insights into unique challenges faced by ASEAN economies, sharing best practices and success stories from the region. She stressed the importance of addressing challenges through Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) and Stakeholder Engagement while capitalising on opportunities presented by digital services to support regional integration.

The subsequent panel discussion featured Aiken Larisa Serzo, Consultant at the Digital Freedom Network and Partner at Disini Law, Manila, the Philippines; Devi Ariyani from the Indonesian Services Dialogue; and Dr Muhammad Faliq Abd. Razak, Research Fellow at the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies. Panellists exchanged experiences and insights on how digital technologies have complicated regulatory practices in their respective countries. They discussed measures being taken to address these challenges, explored opportunities for regional cooperation in regulating digital services and AI, and emphasised the importance of capacity building to support new regulatory frameworks.

The workshop concluded with closing remarks from Prof. Christopher Findlay of the Australian National University, summarising key discussion points and stressing the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration to improve regulatory practices. He encouraged participants to stay engaged and contribute to ongoing efforts in this critical area.

The workshop successfully illuminated the intricate relationship between digital technologies and regulatory practices in the services sector. By convening experts from across the region, it fostered a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead. The insights and recommendations generated will play a pivotal role in shaping future regulatory frameworks that foster innovation and promote regional economic integration.