Türkiye E-Commerce Week kicks off in Istanbul under ‘Future-Commerce’ theme

ISTANBUL

Türkiye E-Commerce Week began in Istanbul on Friday, bringing together stakeholders from across the sector under the theme “Future-Commerce.”

The two-day event is organized by the Trade Ministry, the Electronic Commerce Operators Association (ETID), and the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB). Anadolu is serving as the event’s global communication partner.

The program features panels, masterclasses, workshops, exhibitions, experience zones, startup-to-business meetings, and networking sessions, aiming to shape Türkiye’s digital commerce vision by connecting industry professionals, investors, academics, public officials, and consumers.

Success stories from Türkiye and abroad, entrepreneurial breakthroughs, AI-driven opportunities, and the impacts of digital transformation will be highlighted throughout the event.

Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat said at the opening ceremony that the event is hosting 17,000 participants and is expected to be a major success for the sector.

Bolat highlighted the rapid growth of e-commerce, accelerated by the pandemic. “Until then, e-commerce’s share of global and Turkish commerce was around 4.5-5%, but in two or three years, it rose to 21%. Currently, one in every five transactions is e-commerce,” he said.

The minister also stressed the importance of regulations in ensuring fair competition among marketplaces and the creation of a multi-player market structure. Consumer protection measures, including transparency in terms of use, withdrawal rights, return processes, and seller obligations, have been made clear and explicit, he added.