The center of e-commerce and e-export is Izmir.

The Izmir Chamber of Commerce has taken action to ensure that Izmir firms actively participate in e-export, which has been steadily increasing its share in total exports, with a target of raising this share to 10% by 2028. A total of 345 meetings were held during the bilateral business meetings event organized to increase interaction between e-export service stakeholders and Izmir firms and to create new business opportunities in international markets. Mahmut Özgener, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce, stated that they will continue efforts to position Izmir as the “center of e-commerce and e-export” across the country.

The event titled “Bilateral Business Meetings between E-export Infrastructure Providers and Our Members” began with the opening speech of Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tanyeri, General Secretary of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce. Besides 20 e-export service provider firms, attendees included Nuray Eyigele İşleyen, a member of the Board of Directors of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce, Assembly Members Mehmet Özsaruhan, Selman Kara, Turusan Çiner, and members of the 80th E-Commerce Group Professional Committee Aziz Ülkü, Gözde Çekiç, Utku Can Bilgin, and General Coordinator Pınar Karayılanoğlu.

Mahmut Özgener, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that the events held in the field of e-commerce have been met with intense interest from members. He stated, “This interest proves once again how strong our members’ motivation to open up to global markets through e-export is. We believe that our event will enable our firms to take stronger steps in the digital world and establish profitable collaborations internationally.”

Özgener continued his remarks: “Applications such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality, which are among the most important elements of digital transformation, contribute to our firms’ advanced technology production and exports. We believe that incentives should be provided to facilitate and trigger investments in critical areas such as software, hardware, and cybersecurity. Thus, we think that an ecosystem will emerge that not only uses technology but also produces innovative solutions.”

Özgener expressed that it would be beneficial for the Ministry of Commerce to support the expenses for hiring personnel who can manage the e-commerce operational processes of firms. He stated, “Drawing inspiration from successful examples around the world, we believe that establishing a ‘cross-border e-commerce free zone’ in our country, especially in Izmir, would create a significant opportunity. This zone could serve as a ‘one-stop e-commerce center’ equipped with customs and tax facilitation, end-to-end logistics solutions, and payment systems tailored to target markets. We believe that Izmir, with its strategic logistics advantage, investment attraction potential, skilled workforce, and deep-rooted foreign trade culture, is one of the most ideal cities for a cross-border e-commerce free zone. We think that establishing such a center in our city could not only provide a significant boost locally but also elevate our city’s hinterland, making our country one of the notable centers of e-commerce worldwide.”