Manila, Sept. 18 -- Closer policy cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) is on the horizon for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a trade official said Friday.

In a briefing for the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty said this alignment supports the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which is considered a major catalyst for unlocking the region's digital economy.

The agreement, one of the Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) for this year's Summit, was approved following the second meeting of the 57th ASEAN Senior Economic Officials Meeting (SEOM) in Manila last May. It is sched...