At Tan Cang - Cat Lai terminal, Sai Gon Newport Corporation (Photo: Quang Chau/VNA)

It said that recovery prospects in Southeast Asia are encouraging, but not without persistent risks. The report sees digital trade as having strong growth potential in Southeast Asia.

Much of the region’s digital trade now concentrates on digital marketplaces and information technology and business process outsourcing (IT-BPO), while software development is picking up in some countries.

As demand for digital products and services grows, it is important to enhance digital connectivity, invest in logistics and distribution facilities, develop an IT–BPO road map, support skills development and training, and rethink digital regulations to protect consumers.