NewKerala.com

Asia's Digital Economy Hits $27 Trillion, Driving Sustainable Growth

A new report from the Boao Forum for Asia identifies digital transformation as a primary engine for sustainable development across the continent. By 2025, Asia's digital economy had grown to $27 trillion, accounting for nearly half of the region's GDP. Artificial intelligence is highlighted as a vital driver, reshaping productivity and boosting small businesses. Furthermore, green digital technologies are leading the charge in low-carbon industrial transformation and energy efficiency.

Key Points: Asia's Digital Economy Powers Sustainable Development

  • Asia's digital economy reached $27T by 2025
  • AI reshapes productivity & boosts SME growth
  • Green digital tech leads low-carbon transformation
  • Digitalization drives industrial upgrading in Asia-Pacific
2 min read

Digital transformation emerges as new engine for sustainable development in Asia: Report

Report reveals Asia's $27 trillion digital economy, driven by AI and green tech, is a key engine for sustainable growth and regional resilience.

"Digital transformation has emerged as a new engine for sustainable development in Asia. - Boao Forum for Asia Report"

Hainan, March 24

Digital transformation has emerged as a new engine for sustainable development in Asia, according to a report by the Boao Forum for Asia released on Tuesday.

Asia has taken the initiative to explore future-oriented development models through digital technologies, striving to translate its diverse economic structures into overall competitiveness and regional resilience, says the report titled "Sustainable Development: Asia and the World Annual Report 2026 -- Sustainable Development in Asia amid Global Transformation."

Digital economy has become a key driver of economic growth in Asia, the report notes, citing figures showing that by 2025, Asia's digital economy had reached a scale of 27 trillion US dollars, accounting for 46 per cent of GDP, reports Xinhua news agency.

Specifically, artificial intelligence has become a vital driver of social and economic progress across Asia, the report notes.

The widespread adoption and cross-industry deployment of artificial intelligence applications across the Asia-Pacific region are reshaping productivity structures, boosting the productivity of small and medium-sized enterprises, driving job growth and strengthening societal resilience in the public services sector, among other outcomes.

Moreover, the report also highlights another trend in Asia's sustainable development driven by digital resilience, noting that green digital technologies are leading low-carbon transformation.

Digitalisation-driven green manufacturing and smart factories have become the core of industrial upgrading in Asia-Pacific, leading the way in energy efficiency improvements and sustainable growth, the report says.

Founded in 2001, the BFA is a non-governmental and non-profit international organisation committed to promoting regional economic integration and bringing Asian countries closer to their development goals.

Themed "Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation," the BFA Annual Conference 2026 runs from March 24 to 27 in Boao, a coastal town in China's southern island province of Hainan.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The focus on SMEs is crucial. In India, so many small businesses and kirana stores are now using digital payments and platforms. AI can help them with inventory and customer reach. Hope the benefits reach the grassroots and not just the big cities.
P
Priya S
Green digital tech is the need of the hour. We have massive solar potential and a young tech workforce. Combining these for smart manufacturing can make India a hub for sustainable industry. But we need more investment in R&D and skill development.
V
Vikram M
While the report is optimistic, we must be careful. Digital transformation also brings job displacement and a growing digital divide. We need strong policies for reskilling workers and ensuring equitable access, especially in rural areas. Progress should be inclusive.
R
Rohit P
AI driving public service resilience is key. Imagine AI-powered systems for better disaster management during floods or heatwaves, which we face often. Or for streamlining government schemes to reduce leakage. The potential is huge if implemented well.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see this perspective from Boao. Asia's diversity is its strength. The collaboration angle is important – no single country can do it alone. Hope forums like these lead to tangible tech partnerships and knowledge sharing across borders.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50