MEDIA RELEASE
14 August 2023
The Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines, US-ASEAN Business Council, IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines, Asia Cloud Computing Association, and Asia Internet Coalition will be holding a virtual policy discussion on cross-border data flow on August 16, 2023 from 9:00 AM. to 12:00 P.M. via Zoom.
The event is in line with efforts of the group to promote and advocate for liberal policies on cross-border data flow to further leverage the position of the Philippines as a key player in the global digital economy and a leading destination for investments in information and communications technology.
It will focus on regional and global challenges in managing cross-border data flows; corresponding good practices, norms, and foundations to drive economic development; and highlight the benefits of enabling cross-border data flows to support economic growth, competitiveness, and enhance digital trade.
Real-time movement of data around the world is at the heart of the global economy today, facilitating delivery of goods and services and driving innovations across all sectors. Global data flows also create new economic and trade opportunities and enhance the attractiveness of countries for foreign direct investments.
In the case of the Philippines, public policies have generally been supportive of cross-border data flow. There are no barriers to the free flow of data in the private sector and no data localization requirements aside from some residency restrictions on above-sensitive and top-secret government data under the Cloud First Policy. This enabling environment has accelerated digital transformation in the public sector and across various industries and businesses in the country.
The Philippines also plays a key role as champion of cross-border data flow amid ongoing negotiations as it relates to international cooperation frameworks, such as the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement and Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity.
It is within this context that the group encourages an open and consultative process between the Philippine government, the private sector, and other stakeholders to ensure that relevant policy considerations and frameworks are consistent with strengthening digital trust to facilitate cross-border access, usage, and exchange of data. #