ASEAN-Australia Digital Trade Standards (DTS) Initiative Mid-Term Review Report
Summary
A Mid-Term Review of the ASEAN-Australia Digital Trade Standards (DTS) Initiative, a AUD 5 million (2018-2024) program to support greater implementation of digital trade standards by ASEAN Member States (AMS) and to increase digital trade for regional prosperity and security, was conducted in early 2022 by an independent consultant.
The Initiative, which was formally agreed at leader's level during the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Sydney (March 2018), specifically supports three End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs):
AMS agencies and National Standards Bodies (NSBs) are more aware of how DTS can support digital trade and economic growth.
Better engagement in international standards fora by AMS and NSBs.
Greater adoption of priority DTS by AMS.
The Initiative works to achieve these EOPOs in three phases: the Concept Phase (2018), the Inception Phase (2019), and the Implementation Phase (2020-2024).
Findings
The Mid-Term Review assessed and provided recommendations regarding the Initiative's performance towards achieving outputs and outcomes under Years 2 and 3 (2020-2021) of the Implementation Phase. The Initiative was evaluated according to Australian Aid program criteria including, but not limited to, quality and context specific measures.
The Review assessed the Initiative as being likely to achieve the majority of its EOPOs by the conclusion of the current program. The Initiative's strength is its capacity to build knowledge and awareness of DTS. The review validates Australia's capacity as a trusted partner to ASEAN in relation to DTS, being a key strategic area for growth in trade and development in the region.
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