Istanbul hosts Türkiye E-Commerce Week to shape future of trade

The future of digital trade is under the spotlight in Istanbul as the Türkiye E-Commerce Week commences, drawing thousands of professionals to the two-day summit. Organized under the banner "Future-Commerce," the event is a collaborative effort between the Turkish Trade Ministry, the Electronic Commerce Operators Association (ETID), and TOBB, aiming to chart a course for the nation's e-commerce evolution.

A Hub for Innovation and Networking

Designed to shape Türkiye's digital commerce vision, the event's agenda is packed with panels, masterclasses, and workshops. It also features exhibitions, experience zones, and dedicated networking sessions, creating a comprehensive platform that connects industry professionals, investors, academics, and public officials. The program spotlights success stories, entrepreneurial breakthroughs, and the vast opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in the commerce sector.

Minister Highlights Exponential Growth

Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat, addressing the opening ceremony, announced that the event has attracted 17,000 participants. He underscored the dramatic expansion of the e-commerce sector, a trend massively accelerated by the pandemic. "Previously, e-commerce's share was around 4.5-5% in both global and Turkish trade, but it jumped to 21% within two to three years," Bolat stated. "Currently, one in every five transactions is an e-commerce purchase."

Focus on Regulation and Consumer Trust

Beyond growth, the minister emphasized the critical role of a well-regulated market. He detailed efforts to ensure fair competition among marketplaces and to foster a multi-player market structure. Bolat also pointed to strengthened consumer protection measures, making key aspects like terms of use, withdrawal rights, return processes, and seller obligations transparent and explicit to build trust in the digital marketplace.