MANILA: Asean nations on Saturday signed the landmark Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), a pact aimed at making it easier for businesses to trade online and reach customers across the region.

The signatories were trade ministers from all 11 Asean member states, including Malaysia's Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

Philippine Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque said during the signing ceremony that the pact marked a "defining moment in Asean economic integration".

She said DEFA could help double the region's digital economy from an estimated US$1 trillion to US$2 trillion by 2030.