At the TürkMedya E-Commerce and Retail Summit, Türkiye's Trade Minister Ömer Bolat delivered an address underscoring the country's economic resilience and its determination to advance despite global challenges.
Minister Bolat highlighted Türkiye's strategic accomplishments, including a notable reduction in the current account deficit, which he attributed to the country's strong foreign trade performance. “Our latest economic indicators are clear evidence of our strength," he remarked, emphasizing that Türkiye's industrial transformation over the past two decades has firmly positioned the country as a pivotal manufacturing power, not just in Europe but globally, with key industries such as automotive, defense, and textiles.
Minister Bolat further elaborated on Türkiye's strategic position as a regional production and distribution hub, benefiting from the ongoing realignment of global supply chains. “Türkiye is becoming a critical link for European markets, solidifying its position as a production and logistics hub," the Minister added.
Additionally, Minister Bolat pointed out the impressive growth of the e-commerce sector, which has expanded 75 percent since 2019. “The global e-commerce volume reached an all-time high of USD 5.8 trillion in 2023. It is projected to grow 8 percent, reaching USD 6.3 trillion by the end of 2024," the Minister stated.
Following Minister Bolat, Investment Office President A. Burak Dağlıoğlu shared insights into the transformative impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on Türkiye's e-commerce sector.
“FDI is a driving force behind our digital transformation and economic growth," Dağlıoğlu remarked. He explained how substantial investments have bolstered critical digital and economic infrastructure, positioning Türkiye as a leader in e-commerce and technology-driven sectors.
“The e-commerce ecosystem in Türkiye is not only flourishing but also setting a benchmark for innovation and sustainability," Dağlıoğlu added.
The summit served as a significant platform, bringing together industry stakeholders to exchange ideas on how the public and private sectors can collaborate to boost Türkiye's position in global e-commerce and retail markets.