Digital revolution clears hurdles for Asia economies

In India digital transactions jumped 59% in March from December last year

Asia’s emerging economies are embracing the digital revolution.

From the Philippines to Indonesia, developing nations across the region are jumping on the digital bandwagon faster than expected given their relatively low income levels, according to a new report by Deloitte LLP.

For economic policy makers, the shift matters. Governments, businesses and consumers are using digital technologies to leapfrog development hurdles. In India —which already has more Facebook users than the US —digital transactions jumped 59 percent in March from December last year, the first month after the government announced a demonetisation plan last year, Deloitte said.

In Indonesia, there are 1.3 mobile phones