eCAG is building a strong e-commerce community in Georgia

The eCommerce Association Georgia (eCAG) was established in 2020 with the aim of promoting the growth and development of e-commerce in Georgia. The association’s primary goal is to create a strong digital economy by bringing together businesses, professionals, and stakeholders in the e-commerce ecosystem. Chairman of eCAG, Vladimer Kandelaki, was a guest on WORLDEF E-COMMERCE MAGAZINE.

eCAG’s mission: The goal is to support businesses, advocate for fair regulations, and provide education and resources to help local businesses succeed in the digital space.

eCAG’s vision: Our goal is to make Georgia the leading e-commerce hub in the region, connecting local and global markets, while making innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability the core elements of our efforts. Through initiatives such as the “TrustMark project,” “eCommerce Academy,” and “eCommerce Day,” we are building a stronger and more connected e-commerce community.

“We are focused on establishing strong interaction with Europe”

Chairman of eCAG, Vladimer Kandelaki, outlined the association’s goals in Europe as follows:

“The eCAG has a clear focus on engaging with Europe as part of Georgia’s strategic direction toward EU integration. Our objectives in Europe are rooted in expanding the opportunities for Georgian businesses and fostering international collaboration. In Europe, our key objectives are:

• Expanding Georgia’s global footprint: We aim to connect Georgian businesses with European markets, enabling them to access new customers and opportunities.
• Promoting collaboration: We are building partnerships with European associations and companies to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and foster cross-border e-commerce.
• Advocating for European integration: Georgia is on the path to European Union integration, and we support aligning local e-commerce practices and regulations with EU standards to ensure a smooth transition.
• Creating exposure for Georgian businesses: Through international events like the E-Commerce Berlin Expo, we help local businesses showcase their products and services to global audiences.

Our work in Europe is about positioning Georgia as a trusted and competitive player in the global e-commerce ecosystem while empowering businesses to scale beyond borders.”

“The e-commerce market in Georgia surpassed 500 million dollars in 2024”

Kandelaki also shared basic information and current statistics about the e-commerce ecosystem in Georgia:

“The e-commerce sector in Georgia is witnessing robust growth, driven by digital transformation and changing consumer behavior. Here’s an overview of the current state of the ecosystem:

• E-commerce volume (2024): The estimated annual e-commerce market size in Georgia exceeds $500 million USD, driven by increasing online transactions in retail, services, and digital products.
• E-commerce penetration: Approximately 25% of Georgian consumers actively shop online, with this number steadily rising due to improved internet access and digital literacy.
• Annual growth rate: The e-commerce sector has grown at an average annual rate of 15-20% over the past five years, with accelerated growth observed during the pandemic.
• Key drivers: Growing adoption of digital payment methods, increased smartphone penetration, and a surge in cross-border shopping are fueling the sector.
• Challenges: While e-commerce is expanding, barriers such as logistical infrastructure, trust in online platforms, and alignment with international standards remain areas for improvement.

Georgia’s e-commerce ecosystem is on an upward trajectory, with significant potential to become a regional hub for digital commerce.

“WORLDEF is a leading platform that brings together global e-commerce stakeholders”

Chairman of eCAG, Vladimer Kandelaki, lastly evaluated the collaboration between eCAG and WORLDEF: “Our partnership with WORLDEF has been a cornerstone in fostering Georgia’s integration into the global e-commerce ecosystem. WORLDEF’s reputation as a leading platform for connecting global e-commerce stakeholders has been instrumental in creating opportunities for Georgian businesses to engage with Turkish and international markets. Through our collaboration, WORLDEF has provided invaluable insights into global e-commerce trends, strategies, and best practices, which have been shared with our members to enhance their competitiveness.

WORLDEF’s events have opened doors for Georgian businesses to connect with Turkish and international leaders, investors, and potential partners. These connections are crucial for fostering cross-border collaborations and scaling businesses globally. By working with WORLDEF, we have been able to inspire and empower Georgian businesses to adopt global standards and innovations, further advancing the local e-commerce ecosystem. We deeply value our partnership with WORLDEF, as it aligns with our mission to connect Georgia’s e-commerce community with global opportunities and resources.”