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Research project

Digital economy agreement leadership (DEAL) depository

The Digital Economy Agreements Leadership (DEAL) Depository is an interactive platform developed within the broader framework of the ASEAN Digital Economy Agreement Leadership (ASEAN DEAL) Project. This initiative is jointly led by the University of Lucerne and the Digital Trade Integration (DTI) project at the EUI, with support from the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The DEAL Depository provides centralised, clause-by-clause access to 23 digital economy agreements (DEAs) and free trade agreements (FTAs) signed by ASEAN member states. Each agreement is coded across 38 indicators grouped into 10 policy clusters, enabling detailed legal mapping and comparative analysis.

The platform supports ASEAN policymakers, negotiators, and stakeholders involved in the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) negotiations. It facilitates evidence-based decision-making through provision-level comparisons, treaty downloads, and visualisation tools.

A unique feature currently under development—powered by the DTI database—links international treaty commitments to corresponding domestic legislation in ASEAN countries. This enhances regulatory transparency and coherence, helping bridge the gap between international obligations and national implementation.

By improving access to digital trade-related commitments and providing a structured comparative framework, the DEAL Depository empowers ASEAN countries to advance harmonised and forward-looking digital economy governance.

The team

Group members

External Partners

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