Seoul: South Korea has discussed the progress in inviting more countries to the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) with other members, the industry ministry said Thursday, as the initiative aims to play a pivotal role in setting global digital trade norms. During the virtual meeting, South Korea assumed the chairmanship of a working group that will prepare for negotiations on Peru's membership, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.According to Yonhap News Agency, the DEPA, which went into effect in January 2021, is an arrangement by Singapore, Chile, and New Zealand to establish key rules on digital trade issues, such as digital identities, cross-border data flows, and artificial intelligence. South Korea joined the initiative in May, becoming the fourth member.Currently, negotiations are in progress for the additional membership of China, Canada, Costa Rica, and the United Arab Emirates. Peru and El Salvador have also expressed their intention to join. "South Korea is expecte d to play a more proactive role in developing the DEPA as a global platform for digital trade norms," the ministry said in a statement.
- October 12, 2026
