WASHINGTON– October 27, 2025 – The Global Data Alliance welcomes today’s announcements of bilateral framework agreements with Malaysia and Cambodia, respectively. “These frameworks mark a new phase of US cross-border data and digital trade relations in Southeast Asia,” said Joseph Whitlock, Executive Director of the Global Data Alliance. “We support the Administration’s efforts to facilitate cross-border access to knowledge and information, as well as closer digital cooperation between the United States and its allies and partners. From a technology, economic, and security perspective, it is in our shared interest to improve policy integration and technical interoperability with our allies and partners.”
“We applaud the negotiation of commitments to ensure that data can be transferred across borders free from arbitrary, discriminatory, disguised, or unnecessary impediments,” Whitlock said. “We also welcome the parties’ support for a permanent moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions as well as prohibitions on discrimination against digital services.” Whitlock added.