ASEAN nations to implement universal QR Code: ASEAN-BAC chair

JAKARTA – The Quick Response (QR) Code digital payment service is targeted to be implemented in ASEAN member countries by September 2023, ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) chairperson Arsjad Rasjid said.

"This is not just a motto. In fact, digital QR Codes can be used in ASEAN member countries by this September," he told ANTARA in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, on Wednesday.

In relation to the agenda of “ASEAN Leaders' Interface with Representatives of ASEAN-BAC,” he said all ASEAN member countries have agreed to the universal integration of QR Code payment services.

"All agree on the ASEAN QR Code. This (integration) has been established between Indonesia and Thailand and Singapore, and will continue again throughout ASEAN. Even Myanmar is also preparing the QR Code," he said.

According to him, the agreement on the universal ASEAN QR Code reflects the region's push toward centrality.

Although, in their meeting, the heads of state agreed on the ASEAN QR Code, each country has its own position, he added.

"Everyone (the heads of state) agreed, but each country's position is different," he said, adding that ASEAN countries will apply the universal QR Code gradually, and it will be expanded to all countries in the region later.

ASEAN member states have shared a plan to create a universal QR Code-based payment service.

At the 22nd ASEAN Economic Community Council (AECC) Ministerial Meeting, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said the ministers agreed to realize the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Advancing Regional Payment Connectivity and Local Currency Transaction Mechanism.

He noted that the cross-border QRIS (QR Code Indonesia Standard) payment system is a pilot of the QR payment adoption plan for ASEAN.

Cross-border QRIS is available in Indonesia and Thailand and has been endorsed by seven banks in Thailand. (Antara)