Through the DTAi, the DCO has conducted extensive research and stakeholder engagement to build a foundation for innovative digital trade solutions such as the Model Digital Economy Agreement (MDEA).​

The initiative mapped over 2,500 policies, engaged 1,800 enterprises, and convened multilateral roundtables with government and private-sector leaders—delivering actionable insights to shape smarter digital trade policies and accelerate cooperation.​

This led to the development of the world’s first Model Digital Economy Agreement.

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• Development of world’s first Model Digital Economy Agreement
• Mapped 2500+ digital trade regulations across DCO Member States.
• Identified private sector challenges through 1,800+ business surveys.
• Conducted multilateral roundtables and stakeholder interviews.
• Delivered gap analyses and strategic policy guides for digital trade.

The Model Digital Economy Agreement (MDEA) is a model legal instrument designed to support governments in developing forward-looking and interoperable frameworks for the digital economy. The Agreement consists of a Preamble and 22 provisions, organized around twelve policy areas that are central to digital trade and digital cooperation. It is accompanied by a detailed article-by-article commentary to support policymakers, negotiators, and regulators in understanding the structure, intent, and policy choices reflected in each provision.​

The MDEA was developed under the mandate of the Digital Trade Cooperation Committee (DTCC), established by unanimous resolution of DCO Member States at the 4th General Assembly. The DTCC was tasked with designing a framework for future digital economy agreements and served as the primary intergovernmental platform for drafting the MDEA. The Committee brought together representatives from DCO Member States, including ministries responsible for trade, digital economy, ICT, and innovation.

How the MDEA can be used:

• The MDEA may be used by governments as a reference or template when developing bilateral, regional, or national digital economy frameworks.
• The accompanying commentary provides contextual explanation of each provision, including mapping of international treaty practice, levels of bindingness, safeguards, and key policy considerations.
• The model is designed to be adaptable across different legal systems, levels of development, and regulatory approaches, while supporting interoperability and preserving regulatory autonomy.

The DTAi Country Reports provide an in-depth look at each Member State’s digital trade environment—highlighting regulatory readiness, market potential, and opportunities for regional cooperation.