E-Commerce News & Trends

Türkiye Plans $200B Energy Investment by 2035 to Expand Renewables and Modernize Grid

Türkiye is planning to invest approximately $200 billion by 2035 to expand renewable energy, develop nuclear power and modernize its electricity grid, according to the 2026 Energy Sector Report prepared by the Presidential Investment and Finance Office.

The investment program comes as Türkiye accelerates its energy transition and prepares for rising electricity demand. The country aims to increase its combined wind and solar capacity to 120 GW by 2035, requiring an estimated 8-9 GW of new capacity additions each year.

$80B targeted at grid infrastructure

Around $80 billion of the projected investment is expected to be directed toward improving grid flexibility, modernizing electricity infrastructure and expanding transmission and distribution networks.

The focus on grid modernization is becoming increasingly important as Türkiye adds larger amounts of variable renewable generation and prepares for higher electricity consumption.

Türkiye’s renewable energy sector already represents a significant share of its power system. Renewables accounted for 62% of installed electricity capacity in 2025, including 32.3 GW of hydropower, 25.6 GW of solar and 14.8 GW of wind capacity.

Renewables generated 43.4% of Türkiye’s electricity in 2025, while total electricity generation reached 356 TWh and demand stood at 359 TWh. Electricity demand is projected to rise to 455 TWh and eventually 510 TWh, increasing the need for additional generation and infrastructure.

Storage and EV infrastructure gain momentum

Energy storage is emerging as another major investment opportunity. As of early 2026, Türkiye had 372 pre-licensed solar projects representing 14.3 GWh of storage capacity, alongside 252 wind projects totaling 19.7 GWh.

Electric mobility is also expanding rapidly. Türkiye had 373,733 electric vehicles in 2025, compared with just 7,698 in 2021. Electric and hybrid vehicles represented around 25% of vehicle sales, while the country had approximately 39,000 charging stations in 2025.

Under a high-growth scenario, Türkiye’s electric vehicle fleet could reach 7 million vehicles by 2035, creating further demand for charging infrastructure and electricity capacity.

Energy transition creates investment opportunities

The report highlights renewable generation, grid modernization, energy storage, energy efficiency, EV charging infrastructure and domestic energy technologies as key areas for investment.

Presidential Investment and Finance Office President Ahmet Burak Dağlıoğlu said Türkiye’s industrial infrastructure, geographic position and role in regional energy networks could support its ambition to become a leading country in the global energy transition.

The planned investment also supports Türkiye’s longer-term objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2053, while attracting international capital, advanced technologies and strategic partnerships to the country’s energy ecosystem.

For businesses and investors, Türkiye’s energy transformation could create opportunities across renewable generation, battery storage, grid technologies, EV infrastructure and related supply chains through 2035.

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Latin American E-Commerce Market Projected to Reach $215 Billion in 2026

Latin America’s e-commerce market is projected to reach $215.31 billion in 2026, continuing to grow at a pace 1.5 times faster than the global average, according to a joint report by Endeavor and MercadoLibre.

The region’s digital commerce landscape remains heavily concentrated in its largest markets. Argentina, Brazil and Mexico accounted for nearly 85% of all e-commerce sales in Latin America in 2025, underlining their dominant role in the region’s online retail ecosystem.

Mobile Commerce Leads the Way

Mobile shopping is a defining feature of Latin America’s e-commerce growth. The report found that 84% of online purchases are made via smartphones, highlighting the importance of mobile-first strategies for retailers and digital platforms.

However, the region’s consumers are also becoming increasingly demanding.

Nearly half of shoppers said they would leave a platform after just one negative experience, with delivery delays and problems with returns among the biggest sources of frustration.

Reliable Delivery Over Personalization

The findings suggest that operational excellence may matter more to consumers than advanced personalization.

Around three-quarters of respondents identified clear pricing and transparent policies as highly important when making online purchasing decisions. By comparison, only around one-third considered personalization a major priority.

This signals a growing challenge for e-commerce companies: while many platforms continue investing heavily in recommendation engines and personalized experiences, consumers may place greater value on reliable delivery, straightforward returns and transparent pricing.

Beyond the Marketplace

The report also points to the broader transformation of e-commerce companies across Latin America.

Marketplaces are increasingly expanding beyond online retail into areas such as digital payments, credit services and logistics, creating more integrated digital commerce ecosystems.

As the market moves toward the $215 billion milestone, Latin America is emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing e-commerce regions. The next phase of growth, however, may depend not only on attracting more consumers online but also on delivering a seamless and trustworthy customer experience.

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Kyrgyzstan Partners With Chinese Firm to Build New E-Commerce Platform

Kyrgyzstan is set to launch a new e-commerce platform in partnership with a Chinese company, aiming to strengthen the country’s digital commerce ecosystem and create new opportunities for local businesses to reach international markets.

The agreement was signed on August 28 between state-owned Kyrgyz Post and China’s Kashgar Fengxin Trading Co., Ltd. during the Kyrgyz-Chinese Investment Forum in Bishkek. The planned platform will utilize Kyrgyz Post’s existing postal and logistics network to support order deliveries across the country.

Beyond e-commerce transactions, the project is also expected to introduce digital services and artificial intelligence-powered content. However, key details, including the platform’s launch date, investment volume, and financing structure, have not yet been disclosed.

Expanding Digital Commerce Infrastructure

The initiative represents another step in Kyrgyz Post’s transformation from a traditional postal operator into a key player in the country’s digital commerce infrastructure.

By integrating the new platform with its nationwide postal and logistics network, Kyrgyz Post aims to make online shopping and delivery services more accessible throughout Kyrgyzstan.

The country’s e-commerce market has been growing rapidly. According to government figures cited by The Times of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan’s domestic e-commerce market reached an estimated value of $525 million in 2025, representing approximately 15% growth compared with the previous year.

New Opportunities for Cross-Border Trade

One of the project’s key objectives is to help Kyrgyz businesses reach customers beyond the domestic market.

Kyrgyz Post says the platform could enable local entrepreneurs to promote their products internationally and expand their sales opportunities abroad. However, it remains unclear which markets will initially be accessible to sellers and whether the platform will provide direct access to Chinese consumers.

Kyrgyzstan’s e-commerce market is already strongly connected to international platforms. Russian marketplaces such as Ozon and Wildberries operate in the country, while Chinese platforms including Taobao and Alibaba are popular among consumers.

The new initiative could help shift greater attention toward the opposite direction of cross-border commerce: enabling Kyrgyz products and businesses to reach international buyers.

A Broader Push for Digital Trade

The partnership comes as Kyrgyzstan continues to develop infrastructure and regulatory frameworks for digital commerce.

The government has been working on initiatives to support cross-border e-commerce, including plans related to an E-commerce Park and preferential tax policies for businesses operating in the sector.

At the same time, economic cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and China is expanding beyond traditional trade. Officials have increasingly emphasized joint production, technology cooperation, and the localization of new industries.

While no direct connection has been announced between the upcoming e-commerce platform and broader transport projects linking Kyrgyzstan with China, both developments highlight the growing importance of digital and physical infrastructure in shaping the future of regional trade.

As Kyrgyzstan continues to strengthen its digital economy, the new platform could become an important tool for connecting local businesses with new customers-both at home and potentially across international markets.

Source

Dubai Air Cargo Transactions Surge 53% as E-Commerce Shipments Accelerate

Dubai’s air cargo sector recorded strong growth in the first half of 2026, reflecting the accelerating pace of e-commerce and cross-border trade across the emirate.

Dubai Customs processed 18.2 million customs transactions through its Air Cargo Centers during H1 2026, representing a 53% increase compared with the same period last year. Shipment volumes also rose significantly, reaching approximately 1.3 million tonnes, up from around 886,000 tonnes in H1 2025 – an increase of nearly 47%.

The growth highlights Dubai’s expanding role as a regional logistics and e-commerce hub, where high volumes of smaller shipments require increasingly fast customs and delivery processes.

E-Commerce Drives Shipment Growth

The strongest increase was recorded within the Free Zone Department of Dubai Customs’ air cargo sector. The department completed around 17.7 million customs transactions during the first six months of 2026, compared with approximately 10.9 million during H1 2025 – a 62% rise.

Dubai’s air cargo infrastructure also handled more than 6.2 million postal parcels during the period, underlining the growing contribution of cross-border e-commerce to air freight demand.

As online retail continues to generate large numbers of smaller shipments, customs efficiency has become increasingly important to the wider digital commerce ecosystem. Faster clearance can directly influence delivery times, logistics costs and the overall customer experience.

Dubai Raises E-Commerce Customs Threshold

Dubai Customs has also introduced measures aimed at facilitating cross-border e-commerce.

Effective August 3, 2026, the customs duty exemption threshold for eligible goods within cross-border e-commerce shipments was increased to Dh1,000. The measure is intended to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency for companies involved in digital trade.

The authority has additionally introduced an exemption for certain returned goods imported by companies for personal use, provided the relevant customs duties were previously paid and the goods are returned within 60 days.

Cargo Volumes Continue to Rise

The increase in activity has also been reflected in cargo volumes moving through Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport.

Imported goods cleared through Cargo Village at Dubai International Airport and the Air Cargo Center at Al Maktoum International Airport reached 48.26 million kilograms in May, compared with approximately 26.56 million kilograms in January – an increase of nearly 82%. Maximum daily volumes also climbed from 1.24 million kilograms in January to 2.11 million kilograms in May.

Smart Customs and AI Support Faster Trade

Dubai Customs is increasingly focusing on technology to manage growing shipment volumes while reducing clearance times.

The authority said its air cargo centres are being equipped with smart technologies, devices and artificial intelligence applications to improve inspection and examination processes.

The shift reflects a broader evolution in the role of customs, from simply processing shipments to becoming an important component of trade competitiveness.

For e-commerce businesses, faster customs clearance can help shorten the time between an order arriving at a logistics hub and reaching the end customer. This is particularly important as consumers and retailers increasingly expect rapid cross-border fulfilment.

What This Means for E-Commerce

Dubai’s latest figures point to a wider transformation in the region’s logistics landscape. As e-commerce continues to generate higher shipment volumes, the competitiveness of digital commerce increasingly depends on the efficiency of the infrastructure supporting it.

With rising air cargo volumes, expanded customs thresholds and greater use of AI-powered processing, Dubai is positioning its logistics ecosystem to accommodate the next phase of cross-border e-commerce growth.

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34% of European SMEs on Temu Have Expanded Into International Markets

A survey of 152 European sellers on Temu shows that marketplace participation is increasingly linked to cross-border expansion, higher capacity and additional hiring.

One in three European small businesses selling on Temu have expanded into new international markets after joining the marketplace, according to a new survey conducted among sellers across six European countries.

The survey, conducted by Temu in June and July 2026, included 152 small businesses from Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom. According to the findings, 34% of respondents said they had started selling in new markets after joining the platform.

Marketplace participation linked to business expansion

The survey also points to broader operational growth among participating SMEs. Half of respondents said they had increased production or operational capacity, hired additional employees, or done both after joining Temu.

For smaller businesses, access to additional demand can create opportunities to scale operations, particularly when marketplaces provide access to customers beyond their domestic markets.

The findings suggest that cross-border marketplaces are becoming an increasingly important route for SMEs seeking to expand their international customer base without building market infrastructure independently.

Established businesses are also using Temu

The survey indicates that Temu is not only attracting newly established online sellers. 43% of the businesses surveyed had already been selling for more than 10 years before joining the platform, suggesting that established companies are also using marketplaces as an additional route to customers.

Meanwhile, 75% of respondents said Temu had become either an important additional sales channel or their primary sales channel.

This highlights the changing role of marketplaces within SME e-commerce strategies. Rather than relying exclusively on their own websites or traditional retail channels, established businesses are increasingly adding large digital marketplaces to their distribution mix.

Cross-border e-commerce opportunity

The international expansion reported by participating sellers also reflects the broader importance of marketplaces in European cross-border commerce. Research from the OECD indicates that more than a quarter of European SMEs already sell across borders within the EU, while many businesses consider access to the single market important for their growth strategies.

For SMEs, marketplaces can reduce some of the barriers associated with entering new markets by providing an established digital sales environment and access to international consumers.

However, the Temu survey was commissioned by the platform itself and covers a relatively small sample of 152 existing Temu sellers. The findings therefore reflect the experiences of participating businesses rather than the wider European SME population.

Still, the results point to a growing role for marketplaces in helping European SMEs pursue international sales, operational expansion and cross-border e-commerce growth.

Source

LG Thailand Appoints dentsu Thailand as E-Commerce Partner

LG Electronics (Thailand) has appointed dentsu Thailand as its e-commerce partner as the consumer electronics brand moves to strengthen its digital shopping experience across Thailand’s key online platforms.

LG Electronics (Thailand) Co., Ltd. has selected dentsu Thailand to support its e-commerce expansion, reflecting the growing importance of digital commerce in the consumer journey. The partnership will focus on creating a more seamless and connected online shopping experience for Thai consumers.

Under the collaboration, dentsu Thailand will provide strategic and operational expertise to help consumers discover LG products more easily, navigate between digital platforms and marketplaces with less friction, and complete purchases with greater confidence.

The partnership brings together dentsu Thailand’s local understanding of Thai consumers and online marketplaces with capabilities spanning commerce, media, data and technology. The agency will also draw on its regional and global network to support LG’s broader digital commerce ambitions.

Strengthening LG’s Digital Commerce Strategy

For LG, the appointment comes as e-commerce becomes an increasingly important part of how consumers discover, evaluate and purchase products.

Sunghan Jung, President of LG Electronics (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to digital transformation and its ambition to deliver more connected and personalised experiences for consumers.

The collaboration is expected to strengthen the way shoppers interact with LG throughout the online purchase journey, from product discovery to consideration and conversion.

Dentsu Targets the Digital Shelf

For dentsu Thailand, the partnership further develops its commerce capabilities at a time when brands are increasingly looking for partners that can connect consumer behaviour, media, marketplace experience and conversion.

Wisarn Sirijantanon, CEO, Media, dentsu Thailand, highlighted the complexity of Thailand’s digital commerce environment, where consumers are highly connected and frequently move between platforms and marketplaces.

The agency aims to bring these different elements together so that LG’s brand experience remains consistent and distinctive at the digital shelf as well as across other consumer touchpoints.

E-Commerce Becomes a Strategic Growth Channel

The LG-dentsu partnership reflects a wider shift in how major brands approach e-commerce. Rather than treating online sales as a standalone channel, companies are increasingly focusing on integrated digital journeys that combine consumer insights, media, marketplaces, technology and conversion.

For LG Thailand, working with dentsu is positioned as another step in its digital transformation strategy, with the partnership aimed at delivering greater convenience and a more connected shopping experience for consumers across the country.

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UAE Launches Amazon Creators Foundry to Help Creators Build E-Commerce Brands

The UAE is taking another step toward strengthening its fast-growing creator economy with the launch of the Amazon Creators Foundry, a new programme designed to help content creators transform their audiences into scalable e-commerce businesses.

Created through a strategic partnership between Creators HQ and Amazon Ads, the initiative will support selected UAE-based creators in launching and growing their own consumer brands through Amazon.ae.

The programme was first announced during the 1 Billion Followers Summit and is described as a pioneering initiative in the Middle East, bringing together the creator economy, digital entrepreneurship and e-commerce.

Supporting Creators Beyond Content

Twenty creators will be selected to participate in the programme. Successful applicants will receive support to launch products on Amazon.ae while gaining access to tools and resources designed to help them build sustainable businesses.

Participants will also be able to explore international selling opportunities, potentially expanding their brands into markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.

The initiative reflects a growing shift in the creator economy, where influencers and digital content creators are increasingly moving beyond advertising partnerships and developing their own products and brands.

End-to-End E-Commerce Support

Selected creators will receive a range of services aimed at supporting their e-commerce journey from product launch to growth.

The programme includes dedicated account management, customised Amazon storefronts, search-optimised product listings and onboarding support for Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA).

Participants will also receive advertising support and mentorship from Amazon executives, along with workshops focused on digital marketing, brand building and online retail strategies.

According to the programme details, creators may also gain access to significant advertising incentives, including support through Amazon DSP and Sponsored Ads programmes.

Turning Influence Into Sustainable Businesses

The Amazon Creators Foundry is part of the UAE’s broader ambition to position itself as a global hub for digital creators and entrepreneurs.

The initiative aims to provide creators with the infrastructure, partnerships and commercial tools needed to turn creative influence into long-term business opportunities.

By connecting creators directly with Amazon’s e-commerce ecosystem, the programme could help participants develop independent revenue streams and build consumer brands with the potential to reach international markets.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants are required to be based in the UAE and have an existing retail presence. They must also have a minimum audience of 100,000 followers and either hold, or be willing to obtain, a Dubai e-commerce trade licence.

The programme is another example of how the lines between content creation and online retail continue to blur. As creators build stronger communities and influence consumer purchasing decisions, platforms and governments are increasingly investing in systems that help them become business owners as well.

For the UAE, the Amazon Creators Foundry represents another move toward building a digital economy where creators are not only producing content but also developing globally scalable brands.

Source: Gulf Business

Turkmenistan Moves to Regulate E-Commerce as Digital Payments Surge

Turkmenistan is taking steps to strengthen its digital economy with a new draft law on electronic commerce, as online and non-cash payments continue to grow across the country.

The draft Law of Turkmenistan “On Electronic Commerce” is currently being prepared alongside amendments to several other pieces of legislation. The initiative is designed to establish clearer rules for digital transactions, strengthen consumer and seller protections, and create a more structured environment for e-commerce.

The legislation is part of Turkmenistan’s broader Digital Economy Development Concept for 2026-2028, which focuses on digital services, e-government and innovative technologies.

According to data from the Central Bank of Turkmenistan cited in the report, around 1,043 retail outlets had been connected to the national e-commerce system through banks by early 2026. That figure increased to approximately 1,075 outlets by April, although around 69% of connected outlets are concentrated in the capital, Ashgabat.

Digital payments have also recorded significant growth. Non-cash payments through the country’s e-commerce system increased by nearly 84% in 2025, reaching approximately 2.63 billion Turkmen manats, compared with 1.44 billion manats a year earlier.

From Digital Payments to Full E-Commerce

The rapid expansion of electronic payments provides a foundation for e-commerce, but payment digitization alone does not constitute a complete digital commerce ecosystem.

For Turkmenistan to develop a more integrated e-commerce market, further progress will be needed in areas including logistics, digital platforms, consumer protection, data management, online marketing and dispute resolution.

The forthcoming legislation could help establish a common legal framework and reduce uncertainty for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises looking to expand their use of digital commerce.

Another challenge will be extending digital commerce beyond Ashgabat. The concentration of e-commerce infrastructure in the capital indicates that regional connectivity, digital infrastructure and digital literacy will remain important priorities.

A New Stage for Turkmenistan’s Digital Economy

The proposed legislation represents an important step in formalizing an e-commerce sector that is already beginning to grow. Its long-term impact, however, will depend on whether the new rules can encourage wider participation from businesses and consumers and support digital commerce across the country.

As Turkmenistan continues its legislative work, the key question will be whether the country can move beyond the digitization of payments and build a broader, integrated e-commerce ecosystem.

The coming years could therefore mark an important transition for Turkmenistan as it seeks to connect digital payments, regulation, businesses and consumers within a more developed digital economy.

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E-commerce in Spain Reaches €114.8 Billion as Online Shopping Surges

Spain’s e-commerce market has recorded significant growth over the past decade, with turnover reaching €114.8 billion in 2025, according to data from Spain’s National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC).

The figure represents a 5.7-fold increase compared with 2015, when Spanish e-commerce turnover stood at approximately €20 billion. Overall, the market has grown by 473.7% over the decade, reflecting the rapid shift in consumer behavior toward digital commerce.

E-commerce Becomes Part of Everyday Consumption

The expansion of Spain’s e-commerce market is also reflected in the number of online transactions. Annual transactions increased from around 300 million in 2015 to more than 2 billion in 2025.

The growth suggests that online shopping is no longer limited to occasional purchases. Consumers are increasingly using digital channels for everyday products and services, including food, groceries and digital services.

At the same time, the average transaction value has declined from approximately €67 in 2015 to around €56 in 2025. This points to a broader adoption of e-commerce for smaller and more frequent purchases.

Tourism remains one of the largest contributors to online sales, while fashion and online grocery shopping have also gained importance.

Mobile and Social Commerce Continue to Gain Ground

Mobile devices have become central to Spain’s online shopping ecosystem. According to data cited by the National Observatory of Technology and Society (ONTSI), more than 83% of online shoppers use smartphones for purchases.

Social media is also becoming increasingly important throughout the customer journey, from product discovery to purchase. This trend is contributing to the continued convergence of social media, digital marketing and e-commerce.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online shopping, but the long-term expansion of Spain’s e-commerce market extends beyond the pandemic. Following the disruption of 2020, the sector experienced strong growth from 2022 onward.

Cross-Border E-commerce Remains Significant

Despite the growth of domestic e-commerce, cross-border transactions continue to account for a substantial share of Spain’s digital commerce activity.

CNMC data for the fourth quarter of 2025 showed that 57.8% of e-commerce turnover was generated by purchases originating in Spain but made through businesses located abroad. Transactions from Spain to foreign markets generated €18.164 billion during the quarter, up 14.8% year-on-year.

The European Union remained the main destination, accounting for 94.6% of purchases from Spain directed abroad.

The figures highlight both the opportunities and competitive pressures facing Spanish businesses as consumers increasingly have access to international online retailers and marketplaces.

Opportunities for Spanish Businesses

The continued expansion of e-commerce is creating new opportunities for businesses of all sizes. According to ONTSI, nearly 29.4 million people in Spain purchased products or services online in 2024, while B2C e-commerce turnover exceeded €110 billion.

For small and medium-sized enterprises, digital commerce provides an opportunity to reach customers beyond their immediate geographic markets. Businesses can combine local presence with digital channels to expand their customer base and compete in an increasingly connected market.

Looking ahead, artificial intelligence, advanced logistics, social commerce and personalized digital experiences are expected to play an increasingly important role in the development of Spain’s e-commerce ecosystem.

With turnover already exceeding €114 billion, Spain’s digital commerce market is entering a more mature phase—one in which businesses will increasingly compete not only on price and product selection, but also on technology, customer experience, logistics and international reach.

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Syria E-Commerce Market Opens Up as Digital Payments Return

Syria e-commerce is entering a new growth phase as digital payments, foreign investment and new platforms reconnect the country with global commerce.

Syria’s e-commerce market is entering a new phase as the country reconnects with international payment systems, attracts fresh Gulf investment and begins rebuilding its digital economy after more than a decade of isolation.

One of the clearest signs of this shift is the launch of My Syria, a new digital platform that enables users to book services and make international card payments inside the country.

The platform, launched in Damascus in August, reportedly attracted 12,000 active users in its first 15 days, highlighting early demand for digital services in a market that remains heavily dependent on cash.

Syria reconnects with digital payments

For more than a decade, one of the biggest barriers to e-commerce in Syria has been limited access to international payment networks.

Visa and Mastercard operations were largely absent from the Syrian market after sanctions and financial restrictions intensified from 2011 onwards.

That situation is now gradually changing.

Mastercard signed an agreement with the Central Bank of Syria in 2025 as part of efforts to restore card payment infrastructure, while banking and payment companies have begun exploring opportunities to re-enter the market.

The return of international payment services could prove particularly important for Syria e-commerce, allowing local businesses to accept online payments from both domestic and international customers.

A new digital consumer market is emerging

My Syria currently provides eight services, including hotel reservations, car rentals, holiday-home bookings and tourism experiences.

The company plans to expand to around 40 services and eventually operate across the country.

The model reflects a broader opportunity in Syria: bringing traditionally offline and cash-based services into a digital marketplace.

For Syrian consumers, this could simplify access to services and payments. For businesses, it could create new digital sales channels and improve access to foreign customers.

The development is particularly relevant for sectors such as tourism, transportation, accommodation, retail and logistics.

Tourism could accelerate e-commerce adoption

Syria’s tourism sector is already showing signs of recovery.

Visitor arrivals reportedly reached 3.52 million in the first half of 2026, up from 1.67 million during the same period a year earlier.

As international visitors return, demand for online booking, card payments and digital service platforms is expected to increase.

This could make tourism one of the first sectors to accelerate digital payment adoption in Syria.

For foreign visitors in particular, the ability to reserve hotels, transport and experiences online could help reduce one of the major friction points of travelling in a predominantly cash-based economy.

Gulf investment strengthens Syria’s recovery

The growth of Syria’s digital economy is taking place alongside a broader increase in foreign investment.

Gulf investors committed an estimated $28 billion to Syria in 2025, while UAE-based logistics company DP World announced an $800 million investment linked to a 30-year concession for the Port of Tartous.

Economic ties between Syria and the UAE have also expanded.

UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi led a business delegation to Damascus as both countries moved to deepen commercial relations.

These developments are important for e-commerce because the growth of digital trade depends not only on online marketplaces but also on banking, logistics, payments and cross-border infrastructure.

A major market remains to be rebuilt

Despite the positive momentum, Syria’s digital economy remains in its early stages.

Large parts of the economy are still cash-based, while banking infrastructure and compliance systems require significant modernization.

The wider reconstruction challenge is also substantial.

The World Bank estimates Syria’s reconstruction needs at around $216 billion, underlining the scale of investment required across infrastructure, logistics, financial services and technology.

For e-commerce companies and technology investors, however, this also creates a potentially significant long-term opportunity.

Syria represents a market where much of the digital infrastructure still needs to be built.

Syria e-commerce enters a new phase

The launch of platforms such as My Syria should therefore be viewed as part of a wider transformation rather than simply the arrival of another mobile application.

The return of international payments, rising tourism, stronger Gulf investment, and improving commercial links are gradually creating the conditions for a functioning digital economy.

If banking connectivity and payment infrastructure continue to improve, Syria e-commerce could become one of the most closely watched emerging digital markets in the region.

For international marketplaces, payment providers, logistics companies and technology investors, Syria’s reopening may offer an early-stage opportunity in a market that is only beginning to reconnect with global commerce.