Prospects for Cooperation between ASEAN and France in the Digital Field

Southeast Asia: Actual Problems of Development. 2025. Vol. 4. No. 4(69). P. 21–33.

Kanaev E., Zvereva T., Antipov D.

The article explores major factors behind ASEAN’s interest in cooperation with France in the digital field, as well as its prospects. On revealing the specifics of the digital component in ASEAN’s integration policy, the authors proceed to summarizing the reasons for ASEAN’s slipping into dependence on extra-regional partners, as well as behind its interest in diversifying suppliers of digital infrastructure-related solutions, technologies and skills. Then, key directions of France’s policy in Southeast Asia are outlined, and prospects for cooperation between ASEAN and France in the digital field are assessed. In the authors’ opinion, ASEAN’s interest in cooperation with France is strong and is likely to grow in the foreseeable future. The article is prepared by specialists in European (France as the primary field) and Asian (ASEAN the primary field) studies, which allowed carrying out a deep and academically insightful analysis of the priorities and policies of either partner. The relevance of the article stems from ASEAN’s interest in elaborating on effective digital tools as a key success factor behind the implementation of its projects and initiatives after the year 2025. As the association explores additional mechanisms to raise its competitiveness, including by means of expanding cooperation with extra-regional partners, the article has obvious academic and practical significance.

Keywords: Франция, France, АСЕАН, цифровая трансформация, технологическое сотрудничество, ASEAN, digital transformation, technological cooperation