Minister Bolat stated that penalties for those who disrupt competition in trade have been increased tenfold.

Speaking at the E-Commerce and Retail Summit, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat stated, "In defiance of terrorists and those who want to obstruct Turkey's path, we will progress more, produce more, and export more."

The TurkishMedia E-Commerce and Retail Summit was held at the Finance Center in Ataşehir. The program was attended by Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, TurkishMedia Executive Board Chairman Murat Çiçek, Halkbank General Manager Osman Arslan, and many businesspeople. Starting his speech by condemning the terrorist attack on TUSAŞ and wishing mercy for the martyrs, Minister Bolat provided information to the participants by announcing the e-commerce data conducted in Turkey. After the speech, Minister Ömer Bolat and other participants took a commemorative photo.

"THE TIMING OF THE ATTACK IS ALSO VERY SIGNIFICANT"

Minister Bolat stated, "At the beginning of my speech, I once again condemn the heinous terrorist attack on the facilities of Turkish Aerospace Industries, known as TUSAŞ, which is the shining star of our defense industry sector, two days ago. I pray for the mercy of our martyrs who lost their lives in the attack and wish a speedy recovery to our injured. May our esteemed nation's head be held high. As someone who closely knows how TUSAŞ has played a significant role in our defense industry over the last 15 years and how it has developed crucial products to meet Turkey's defense industry needs, I find the timing of this attack very significant. This attack occurred at the very moment our delegation, led by our esteemed President, arrived in Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, Russia, to attend the BRICS summit, which indeed seemed to send a message. It targeted the unity, togetherness, peace, and stability of our Turkey. It also targeted our defense industry. Our defense industry has truly become a source of pride for our country. It was a very important sector where we made a significant leap to ensure that Turkey does not fall behind in the global technology race and takes its place at the forefront," he expressed.

"THEY FOUND A RELIABLE SUPPLIER WHO WOULD NOT IMPOSE EMBARGOES ON THEM"

Referring to the attack occurring during the days of the Saha Expo Fair held in Istanbul, Bolat said, "The fair opened on Tuesday, as you know. A total of 300 delegations from abroad participated in this fair and are still participating. Defense industry export projects worth 6.2 billion dollars were signed. Turkey has risen to the 11th place in the world in the defense industry. We have an annual production of 12 billion dollars. Last year, we closed with an export of 5.3 billion dollars. This year, we aim for at least an export figure of 6.5 billion dollars. The defense industry employs nearly 100,000 people and involves a total of 3,500 public and private sector enterprises. Our success in the defense industry and the products we sell have also brought prestige and respect to Turkish industry. Therefore, in defiance of terrorists and those who want to obstruct Turkey's path, we will progress more, produce more, and export more. In the Eurasian geography, countries in the south, north, east, Balkans, Africa, and Asia have found a reliable supplier who would not impose embargoes on them or dictate conditions. In this sense, Turkey has become a reliable, quality-producing, technologically advanced, and very good supplier country. That is why there was a significant reaction from the world to this terrorist attack. Condolences and get well messages were received from the West, East, North, and South. Reactions were expressed from a total of 108 countries and international organizations. There were messages of condolence for our fallen martyr brothers," he stated.

"E-COMMERCE VOLUME REACHED 1 TRILLION 850 BILLION LIRA IN 2023"

Stating that digitalization has rapidly manifested itself in many areas such as public services, trade, education, and advertising, Bolat emphasized that e-commerce has rapidly grown and become an indispensable element due to the COVID-19 pandemic that emerged at the beginning of 2020 in Turkey. Announcing the e-commerce figures, Minister Bolat said, "In this context, the proportion of individuals who ordered goods or services online in 2023 is 49.5 percent, friends. In other words, one in every two consumers in our country has shopped online. The volume of e-commerce, which was only 136 billion lira in 2019, one year before the pandemic, has increased more than 13 times, reaching 1.85 trillion, that is, 1 trillion 850 billion lira in 2023. In 2019, the share of e-commerce in total trade was 4.5 percent at that time. Now, its share in total trade has risen to 21.5 percent. The number of businesses engaged in e-commerce, which was 68,457 in 2019, has reached 559,412 businesses in 2023, with a 717 percent increase in four years. As a result of inspections, administrative penalties have started to be imposed," he said.

"PENALTIES HAVE INCREASED BY A FULL 10 TIMES ACCORDING TO THE LAW OF MAY 2020"

Stating that e-commerce inspections have been intensified, Minister Bolat said, "With the laws enacted in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on May 29, 2024, the most important decision was to conclude the investigations of the competition board, which used to take a long time of 1-1.5 years, within 3-6 months. The competition board has the authority to impose administrative fines ranging from 1 percent to 10 percent of the company's revenue, depending on the nature of the action. In addition, penalties against exorbitant pricing practices have increased by a full 10 times according to the law of May 2020. New regulations have also been adopted to protect consumers more effectively. This law, which ensures more effective protection of consumers, has allowed consumer credit and housing loan agreements to be established through distance methods. In other words, it has created an environment for using these loans in a digital setting. Both the sector and our consumers have been provided with conveniences suitable for the dynamism of commercial life. The encouragement of women's participation in commercial life, as well as new rights, especially the right of withdrawal, have been granted to consumers in terms of goods or services. Significant regulations have also been made regarding direct sales contracts to prevent consumer grievances caused by fraud from illegal pyramid schemes known as chain marketing," he stated.