13.06.2026 19:21
The future of e-commerce was discussed under the theme of "innovation, experience, and impact" at WORLDEF Istanbul 2026, one of Turkey's largest e-commerce, retail, and artificial intelligence events. Moderator ELİDER Board Chairman Fehmi Darbay and speakers ASSET Group Director İbrahim Taşkın, Haberler.com Board Chairman Dr. Ekrem Teymur, and SKF Global Holding Vice President Beşir Kemal Ustaoğlu evaluated the transformation that artificial intelligence will bring to the sector.
WORLDEF Istanbul 2026, recognized among the largest e-commerce, retail, and artificial intelligence events in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey, was held between June 11-13 at the Yenikapı Event Area. The event brought together industry professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and technology companies, discussing the future of e-commerce under the theme 'innovation, experience, and impact.'
In the session moderated by ELİDER Board Chairman Fehmi Darbay, speakers included Haberler.com Board Chairman Dr. Ekrem Teymur, ASSET Group Director İbrahim Taşkın, and SKF Global Holding Vice President Beşir Kemal Ustaoğlu.
"ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE NOW DECIDES AND IMPLEMENTS"
Haberler.com Board Chairman Dr. Ekrem Teymur provided information about their projects in the field of artificial intelligence, stating that they have developed systems capable of automatically making and implementing decisions in financial markets.
Teymur said, "Our AI algorithm continuously monitors markets. It opens positions when the time for buying or selling comes, tracks the process, and closes them at the appropriate time. So, it doesn't just make decisions; it implements those decisions and manages the outcomes."
"ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS AT THE CORE OF DIGITALIZATION"
Emphasizing that artificial intelligence has caused profound changes in the business world, Teymur compared this transformation to a "tsunami."
"When AI arrives, nothing will be the same as before. We are talking about an unstoppable transformation. Companies, employees, and institutions need to prepare for this new era," said Teymur, noting that AI offers significant advantages in customer relations, content production, and translation processes.
However, Teymur also pointed out the risks of uncontrolled AI use, citing a case where Air Canada was ordered to pay compensation due to its AI-powered customer service, stating, "Institutions are held responsible for the answers AI provides."
"THOSE USING AI WILL GET AHEAD"
Stating that companies effectively using AI will gain a significant advantage in the coming period, Teymur said that the human factor will not completely disappear.
"Those who use AI will advance, while those who do not will fall behind in competition. However, in the future, the most valuable people will be those who generate new ideas, organize, and provide direction," evaluated Teymur, emphasizing that companies should use AI under human supervision and with reliable data sources. Teymur said, "AI is our friend, but it must be used correctly, kept under control, and the information it is fed must be solid."
"IN E-EXPORTS, MARKET ACCESS IS AS IMPORTANT AS LOGISTICS"
ASSET Group Director İbrahim Taşkın stated that in e-export processes, in addition to logistics services, sellers' access to new markets is critically important.
Noting that they provide transportation, customs clearance, storage, and distribution services to companies selling from Turkey abroad, Taşkın said, "It is as important for a product to reach the right market as it is to be sold. We are carrying out work to increase Turkish sellers' access to marketplaces in different countries."
Stating that especially European and American markets offer great opportunities for Turkish companies, Taşkın noted that AI has become an important tool increasing efficiency in logistics and operations management.
"AMERICA IS THE WORLD'S LARGEST MARKET"
SKF Global Holding Vice President Beşir Kemal Ustaoğlu also said that digitalization is no longer a choice but a necessity.
Emphasizing that companies should not neglect human resources in their digital transformation processes, Ustaoğlu said, "Digitalization creates corporate memory. It ensures that information is stored in systems rather than remaining with individuals or on paper."
At this point, Ustaoğlu called on Turkish companies to turn to the US market, stating, "America is the world's largest market. We believe Turkish companies can capture significant opportunities here. We have strong connections and collaborations in this regard."
"FUTURE LEADERS MUST BE OPEN TO CHANGE"
Ustaoğlu stated that in the rapidly changing global trade environment, leaders must be agile, visionary, and open to learning, saying, "Today's leaders must continuously learn, accurately read change, and prepare their teams for this transformation."
During the session, speakers agreed that artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation technologies will accelerate transformation in the e-commerce sector in the coming years.