online commerce

Allegro Group GMV Rises 14% as International Expansion Accelerates

Polish e-commerce giant Allegro Group reported strong growth in the first half of 2026, with Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) increasing by 13.7% year-over-year. The company also recorded a remarkable 64.8% surge in international GMV, highlighting the success of its expansion strategy across Central and Eastern Europe.

Strong First-Half Performance

Allegro Group’s preliminary second-quarter results show continued momentum despite a competitive e-commerce environment. The company’s GMV reached a 13.7% increase during the first six months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, reflecting sustained consumer demand and healthy marketplace activity.

The performance was driven by steady growth in Allegro’s domestic Polish business, alongside rapid gains in its international operations.

International Business Continues to Expand

One of the standout highlights from the results was the company’s international marketplace performance.

International GMV increased by 64.8%, demonstrating strong customer adoption in markets including the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. Allegro has continued investing in localisation, logistics capabilities and merchant acquisition to strengthen its regional presence.

The rapid international growth supports the company’s long-term ambition of becoming a leading e-commerce marketplace across Central Europe.

AI Investments and Customer Experience

According to Allegro CEO Marcin Kuśmierz, the company is maintaining strong growth by improving its core marketplace while expanding into new market segments.

He noted that Allegro continues to invest heavily in artificial intelligence, operational efficiency and customer-centric services to improve both the shopping experience and merchant performance.

These investments are expected to enhance product discovery, logistics optimisation and marketplace efficiency while supporting future growth.

Regional Strategy Delivers Results

Allegro’s strategy focuses on combining its established leadership in Poland with rapid expansion into neighbouring European markets.

The company’s international business has become an increasingly important growth driver, helping diversify revenue while creating additional opportunities for merchants looking to sell across borders.

Industry analysts expect continued investment in technology, logistics infrastructure and AI-powered services to support Allegro’s long-term regional ambitions.

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UK Online Retail Market Reaches Highest Share Since 2021

The United Kingdom’s e-commerce sector has reached a significant milestone, with online retail sales accounting for 29.4% of all retail spending in June – the highest share recorded in five years. The latest figures highlight the continued strength of digital commerce as consumers increasingly choose online shopping for convenience, speed, and wider product availability.

According to data from the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS), total retail sales increased by 1.0% month-on-month in June, exceeding market expectations. Non-store retailers, which include online businesses, recorded a 4.4% monthly increase, making e-commerce the strongest-performing retail segment during the period.

Seasonal Demand Drives E-Commerce Growth

Several seasonal factors contributed to the sharp rise in online retail activity. The UK’s warm summer weather encouraged consumers to purchase products such as fans, air conditioning units, outdoor furniture, and summer clothing through digital channels.

In addition, major sporting events during the month helped stimulate consumer spending, with shoppers increasingly choosing online platforms to purchase apparel, electronics, and event-related merchandise. Retail analysts noted that digital channels benefited from both increased consumer demand and the convenience of home delivery.

Fashion and Technology Retailers Lead Online Performance

Fashion retailers were among the biggest beneficiaries of the June sales surge. Clothing and footwear stores experienced their strongest monthly growth since September, supported by seasonal collections and summer promotions.

Technology retailers also reported solid performance, with increased demand for computers, mobile devices, and telecommunications products. Meanwhile, some traditional retail categories-including department stores and household goods retailers-continued to experience weaker demand, reflecting changing shopping habits and growing consumer preference for online channels.

The figures demonstrate how e-commerce continues to outperform many brick-and-mortar retail segments as shoppers increasingly prioritise convenience and competitive pricing.

Challenges Remain Despite Positive Retail Momentum

Despite the encouraging retail figures, economists remain cautious about the outlook for the second half of the year. Rising household bills, persistent inflationary pressures, and global economic uncertainty may continue to influence consumer spending behaviour.

While consumer confidence has shown signs of improvement in recent months, retailers are expected to remain focused on promotions, loyalty programmes, and enhanced customer experiences to maintain growth in an increasingly competitive market.

What the Latest Figures Mean for the UK E-Commerce Market

The latest data reinforces the UK’s position as one of Europe’s most mature and dynamic e-commerce markets. With online sales approaching one-third of all retail spending, digital commerce continues to reshape the retail landscape.

As businesses invest in faster fulfilment, omnichannel experiences, artificial intelligence, and personalised shopping journeys, the role of e-commerce is expected to become even more significant. For retailers, the latest sales figures underline the importance of strengthening digital capabilities to meet evolving consumer expectations and sustain long-term growth.

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UNIEF and HKFEC Explore Strategic Cooperation Across Asia-Pacific

UNIEF General Secretary Burak Yalım Meets with HKFEC to Strengthen Asia-Pacific Collaboration

Burak Yalım, General Secretary of the United E-Commerce Federation (UNIEF), held a productive meeting with Joseph Yuen, Chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of E-commerce (HKFEC), to discuss opportunities for expanding international cooperation and strengthening the global e-commerce ecosystem.

The meeting focused on UNIEF’s vision of bringing together national e-commerce associations under a single global federation that promotes knowledge sharing, cross-border collaboration, and sustainable growth across the digital economy.

A key topic of discussion was the strategic importance of the Asia-Pacific region, one of the world’s fastest-growing and most dynamic digital commerce markets. Both sides exchanged views on the opportunities and challenges facing e-commerce organizations across the region and emphasized the importance of stronger international cooperation among industry stakeholders.

During the meeting, Joseph Yuen expressed HKFEC’s strong support for UNIEF’s mission and shared his willingness to contribute to the federation’s expansion across the Asia-Pacific region. Drawing on HKFEC’s extensive network, he offered to facilitate introductions with leading e-commerce associations, beginning with organizations in Malaysia and Singapore, while also supporting UNIEF’s broader engagement with associations across the wider Asia-Pacific region.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of creating an inclusive international platform that enables participation from industry leaders regardless of language or geography. Both sides agreed that multilingual collaboration, knowledge exchange, and stronger institutional partnerships will play a vital role in advancing cross-border digital commerce.

Building UNIEF’s Regional Network

Burak Yalım shared UNIEF’s long-term vision of establishing a truly global federation that connects national e-commerce organizations through regional committees, collaborative initiatives, and international representation. He also outlined UNIEF’s commitment to strengthening cooperation among associations and fostering a more connected and sustainable global digital economy.

The meeting concluded with both organizations reaffirming their commitment to continued dialogue and future collaboration. As a next step, UNIEF and HKFEC will work together to initiate discussions with e-commerce associations in Malaysia, Singapore, and other Asia-Pacific markets, supporting the federation’s mission of building a stronger and more connected international e-commerce ecosystem.

Qatar’s Digital Payments and E-Commerce Continue Strong Growth in 2026

DOHA, Qatar – Qatar’s digital economy continues to gain momentum as new data from the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) reveals significant growth in e-commerce, point-of-sale (POS), and instant payment transactions during May 2026.

The latest figures highlight consumers’ increasing preference for digital payment methods and online shopping, reinforcing Qatar’s broader strategy to accelerate financial technology adoption and reduce reliance on cash.

Card Payments and E-Commerce Continue to Expand

Card transaction volumes climbed 24% year-over-year, reaching 72.34 million transactions in May 2026. POS payments remained the dominant channel, growing from 42.74 million to 53.82 million transactions compared with the same month last year.

Online e-commerce transactions also recorded robust growth, increasing from 9.45 million to 12.62 million, reflecting the continued expansion of digital retail and growing consumer confidence in online shopping.

In terms of value, total card transactions reached QR24.41 billion, while POS transaction value rose to QR9.82 billion, up from QR8.55 billion a year earlier. Online e-commerce transaction value remained stable at approximately QR3.91 billion, demonstrating resilient consumer spending through digital channels.

Digital Banking Transactions Accelerate

Beyond retail payments, Qatar’s digital banking infrastructure also recorded remarkable growth.

Transactions processed through the Tahweel interbank transfer system surged 58% in value to QR64.24 billion, while transaction volumes jumped 160% year-over-year, reflecting increasing reliance on electronic fund transfers across the country.

Fawran Sees Record Adoption

Qatar’s instant payment platform, Fawran, continued its rapid expansion throughout 2026.

Transaction value increased 159% to QR6.71 billion, while transaction volume climbed 149% to 4.1 million. Meanwhile, registered Fawran accounts reached 3.86 million, highlighting the platform’s growing popularity among consumers and businesses alike.

Qatar Strengthens Its Digital Economy

The latest figures demonstrate Qatar’s accelerating transition toward a digitally driven financial ecosystem, supported by expanding payment infrastructure, growing consumer confidence in electronic payments, and continued investment in financial technology.

As digital commerce, instant payments, and fintech innovation continue to advance, Qatar is reinforcing its position as one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing digital payment and e-commerce markets.

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U.S. Online Retail Sales Surge 14.2% in June as E-commerce Outpaces Traditional Retail

U.S. Ecommerce Delivers Strongest June Growth in Years

U.S. online retail sales accelerated sharply in June 2026, highlighting consumers’ continued preference for digital shopping despite broader economic uncertainty. According to new data analyzed by Digital Commerce 360, e-commerce sales reached $142.67 billion, marking a 14.2% year-over-year increase-the strongest June growth rate in more than four years.

The performance significantly outpaced overall retail sales growth, reinforcing e-commerce’s role as one of the primary drivers of consumer spending in the United States.

Prime Day Promotions Fuel Online Spending

A major catalyst behind June’s exceptional performance was the timing of Amazon Prime Day and competing promotional campaigns from major retailers including Walmart and Target.

The four-day promotional period accounted for 18.5% of total June online sales, demonstrating how large-scale shopping events continue to reshape monthly e-commerce performance. Prime Day’s influence has expanded dramatically since 2020, when consumers spent approximately $10.4 billion during the event.

Retailers increasingly coordinate major discount campaigns around these high-traffic events to capture consumer demand while improving inventory turnover.

Total Retail Sales Continue to Grow

Overall U.S. retail sales also maintained positive momentum.

Total retail sales reached $768.55 billion in June 2026, compared with $720.16 billion during the same month last year. While physical retail remains resilient, online commerce continues to capture a growing share of consumer spending.

Industry analysts note that ecommerce growth is benefiting from improved digital shopping experiences, faster delivery options, competitive pricing, and consumers’ increasing comfort with online purchasing.

Ecommerce More Than Doubles Pre-Pandemic Levels

June’s figures also illustrate how dramatically online retail has expanded since the pandemic era.

Online retail sales have climbed from $60.78 billion in June 2019 to $142.67 billion in June 2026-more than doubling in just seven years. The latest results also exceed June 2020 levels by nearly $60 billion, underscoring the lasting structural shift toward digital commerce.

Rather than returning to pre-pandemic shopping habits, consumers have continued integrating ecommerce into everyday purchasing across multiple product categories.

Outlook: Digital Commerce Maintains Strong Momentum

Although broader retail growth has moderated in recent months, ecommerce continues to outperform traditional retail by a considerable margin.

The combination of promotional events, improved logistics, AI-powered personalization, and omnichannel retail strategies suggests digital commerce will remain a key engine of U.S. retail growth throughout the remainder of 2026. As major retailers continue investing in online capabilities, competition for digital shoppers is expected to intensify during the second half of the year.

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Shein IPO Valuation Slips as Regulatory Pressure Weighs on Growth Prospects

Shein’s long-awaited initial public offering is facing fresh headwinds as tightening regulations on cross-border e-commerce threaten to slow growth and reduce investor enthusiasm. The fast-fashion giant, which is preparing for a Hong Kong listing later this year, is now expected to command a significantly lower valuation than previously anticipated as new import rules in Europe begin to impact sales and profitability.

The company is reportedly seeking a valuation between $40 billion and $50 billion, a sharp decline from the $100 billion valuation achieved during its 2022 fundraising round. Some market analysts believe investors may only be willing to support a valuation closer to $30 billion given the evolving regulatory environment and increasing competitive pressures.

Europe Becomes a Key Pressure Point

A major challenge comes from the European Union’s latest measures targeting low-value e-commerce imports. The bloc recently introduced additional fees on inexpensive parcels entering the region, aiming to create fairer competition for domestic retailers and address the surge in direct-to-consumer shipments from Asian online marketplaces.

Europe accounts for roughly one-third of Shein’s global revenue, making the region particularly important to its expansion strategy. The new charges have reportedly increased shopping costs for consumers, reduced conversion rates, and forced the retailer to reassess marketing expenditures across several European markets.

Growth Remains Strong Despite Headwinds

Despite mounting regulatory challenges, Shein continues to post substantial financial results. Sources familiar with the company’s performance say the retailer generated more than $40 billion in revenue during 2025, while net profit approached $2 billion, highlighting the resilience of its ultra-fast fashion business model.

To strengthen its European operations, Shein has expanded warehouse capacity in Poland and continues investing in logistics infrastructure to improve delivery times and reduce operational costs. However, these investments may not fully offset the impact of stricter trade policies and rising compliance costs.

Competition Intensifies Across Global E-Commerce

Beyond regulation, Shein is navigating an increasingly competitive online retail landscape. Rivals including Temu and other cross-border marketplaces continue to compete aggressively on pricing and customer acquisition, while geopolitical tensions and changing trade policies add further uncertainty for investors.

The company’s reduced valuation expectations also reflect broader concerns over whether the rapid growth enjoyed by ultra-fast fashion platforms can be sustained under tighter regulatory scrutiny in major consumer markets.

IPO Still Expected This Year

Despite the challenges, Shein is continuing preparations for its Hong Kong debut after receiving key regulatory approvals. Investor roadshows are expected to begin ahead of a potential listing later this year, although the final valuation will largely depend on market conditions and institutional investor demand.

For global e-commerce investors, the offering is expected to become a key test of how regulators, geopolitical risks, and changing cross-border trade rules are reshaping valuations for digital retail companies in 2026.

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Saudi Arabia Sees 23% Surge in E-Commerce Business Registrations in Q2 2026

Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce sector continued its rapid expansion during the second quarter of 2026, with the number of commercial registrations for online businesses increasing by 23% year over year, underscoring the Kingdom’s accelerating digital transformation and growing entrepreneurial activity.

According to newly released official figures, commercial registrations for e-commerce businesses reached 48,497 by the end of Q2 2026, up from 39,366 during the same period a year earlier. The figures highlight the sustained momentum of Saudi Arabia’s online retail ecosystem as digital commerce adoption continues to rise across consumers and businesses.

Digital Economy Continues to Accelerate

The increase reflects the Kingdom’s broader efforts to diversify its economy through digital innovation under Vision 2030. Government initiatives supporting entrepreneurship, digital payments, logistics modernization, and SME development have helped create a favorable environment for online businesses.

The growing number of licensed e-commerce companies also indicates increasing confidence among entrepreneurs looking to establish digital-first businesses across retail, services, and marketplace platforms.

Strong Momentum Across Online Retail

Saudi Arabia has become one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing e-commerce markets, driven by high internet penetration, widespread smartphone usage, and expanding digital payment infrastructure.

Industry analysts note that consumer demand for convenient online shopping, combined with investments in fulfillment networks and last-mile delivery services, continues to encourage new businesses to enter the market.

The continued rise in commercial registrations suggests that competition within the Kingdom’s e-commerce sector is expected to intensify as more merchants transition to digital channels.

Vision 2030 Driving Digital Business Growth

The latest registration figures align with Saudi Arabia‘s long-term strategy to build a diversified digital economy. Authorities have introduced multiple initiatives aimed at simplifying business formation, encouraging innovation, and increasing private-sector participation in technology-driven industries.

As digital commerce becomes an increasingly important contributor to economic activity, continued growth in business registrations is expected to support employment, investment, and cross-border trade opportunities throughout the Kingdom.

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Galaxus Becomes Switzerland’s Largest Online Retailer, Overtaking Zalando

ZURICH – Swiss online retailer Galaxus has become the country’s largest e-commerce platform by online revenue, surpassing fashion marketplace Zalando in a shift that underscores the growing competitiveness of domestic digital retailers in Europe.

The latest annual ranking of Switzerland’s biggest online stores, compiled by Swiss e-commerce consultancy Carpathia, estimates Galaxus generated approximately CHF 2.3 billion in online sales, moving ahead of Zalando by roughly CHF 480 million. The milestone marks the first time the Migros-owned marketplace has claimed the top position in the Swiss e-commerce market.

Galaxus Claims the Top Spot in Swiss Ecommerce

The rankings also reveal the increasing scale of online retail in Switzerland, with four companies now exceeding CHF 1 billion in annual online revenue. Alongside Galaxus and Zalando, electronics retailer Digitec and international marketplace Temu have joined the billion-franc club, reflecting both sustained consumer demand and intensifying competition across digital commerce.

Four Retailers Now Generate More Than CHF 1 Billion Online

The emergence of four billion-franc ecommerce businesses highlights the continued maturity of Switzerland’s digital retail market. While established players continue to grow, newer entrants are reshaping consumer expectations through competitive pricing, broader product assortments, and enhanced digital shopping experiences.

Growth Fueled by Marketplace Expansion and Customer Demand

Galaxus’ rise has been driven by years of investment in marketplace expansion, logistics infrastructure, and product assortment. Originally focused on electronics through its sister platform Digitec, the company has steadily broadened its offering to include categories ranging from home and garden to fashion, beauty, sports equipment, and groceries. That diversification has helped position the platform as a comprehensive online shopping destination for Swiss consumers.

According to company figures, the Galaxus Group reported 17% growth in platform sales during 2025, reaching CHF 3.8 billion across all markets. The retailer also added approximately 500,000 new customers over the year, bringing its customer base to around 5 million. While Switzerland remains its core market, Galaxus has continued expanding its footprint in neighboring European countries, particularly Germany, where it has invested in localized operations and customer services.

Expansion Beyond Switzerland

Although its domestic business remains the foundation of its success, Galaxus has accelerated international growth by strengthening logistics capabilities and tailoring its marketplace to local customer needs. The company’s expansion strategy reflects a broader trend among European retailers seeking growth beyond their home markets.

Competition Intensifies Across the Swiss Ecommerce Market

Industry analysts say Galaxus’ performance reflects a broader trend in European e-commerce, where regional marketplaces are strengthening their positions by leveraging local market expertise, reliable delivery networks, and customer trust. Rather than competing solely on price, many domestic platforms have differentiated themselves through wider product availability, responsive customer support, and integrated marketplace ecosystems that connect third-party merchants with consumers.

The latest rankings also illustrate the increasingly diverse nature of Switzerland’s e-commerce landscape. While Zalando remains one of the country’s leading online retailers in fashion, newer entrants such as Temu have rapidly expanded their presence by attracting price-conscious shoppers with extensive product selections and aggressive promotional strategies. Established retailers, meanwhile, continue investing in omnichannel capabilities to meet changing consumer expectations.

What Galaxus’ Leadership Means for European E-commerce

Despite growing international competition, Switzerland remains one of Europe’s most mature e-commerce markets, supported by high internet penetration, strong purchasing power, and widespread adoption of digital payment solutions. Consumers are also placing greater emphasis on delivery speed, product availability, and post-purchase service, encouraging retailers to strengthen their logistics capabilities and invest in technology-driven customer experiences.

Galaxus’ ascent to the top of the Swiss online retail rankings signals more than a change in market leadership. It highlights the ability of regional e-commerce platforms to compete successfully against international players by combining localized expertise with scalable digital operations. As competition intensifies across Europe, retailers are expected to continue investing in marketplace expansion, fulfillment efficiency, and customer experience as key drivers of long-term growth.

For the broader European e-commerce industry, the Swiss market offers an important example of how domestic platforms can thrive in an increasingly global marketplace. While international brands continue to expand across borders, Galaxus’ success demonstrates that local knowledge, operational excellence, and sustained investment can remain powerful competitive advantages in the evolving digital economy.

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DHL and USPS Sign $10 Billion Deal to Reshape U.S. E-Commerce Deliveries

The logistics industry witnessed one of its largest partnership agreements in recent years as DHL eCommerce and the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced a long-term exclusive contract valued at more than $10 billion. The agreement strengthens a relationship that has existed for over 25 years and signals a new phase in the evolution of last-mile delivery across the United States.

Under the agreement, DHL eCommerce will continue to manage parcel pickup, sorting, and transportation through its nationwide network of 19 automated hubs, while USPS will remain the exclusive provider responsible for final-mile delivery. The partnership gives DHL access to USPS’s extensive delivery infrastructure, which serves more than 170 million addresses across over 41,000 ZIP Codes six days a week.

A Strategic Move for U.S. E-Commerce Growth

The deal arrives at a time when global e-commerce volumes continue to rise and logistics providers are under increasing pressure to improve delivery speed, efficiency, and cost management. Rather than investing heavily in building a dedicated residential delivery network in the United States, DHL has chosen to deepen its collaboration with USPS, allowing the company to scale operations while leveraging an already established nationwide infrastructure.

According to DHL eCommerce Americas CEO Scott Ashbaugh, the agreement creates a more stable platform for customers and supports the company’s long-term expansion plans in the U.S. market. Industry analysts also view the partnership as a practical response to the growing complexity of parcel delivery, where final-mile logistics remain one of the most expensive and operationally demanding stages of the fulfillment process.

USPS Strengthens Its Commercial Logistics Position

For USPS, the agreement represents a major commercial win as the organization continues efforts to diversify revenue streams and strengthen its financial position. The Postal Service has increasingly positioned itself as a critical logistics infrastructure partner for major parcel carriers, offering nationwide reach that would be difficult and costly for private operators to replicate independently.

The contract is expected to generate more than $10 billion in revenue over its duration, making it one of the most significant agreements in USPS’s parcel delivery business. The partnership also reinforces a broader industry trend where logistics providers focus on specialized segments of the delivery chain while relying on strategic partnerships for nationwide residential coverage.

As competition intensifies across the global e-commerce logistics sector, the DHL-USPS agreement highlights how collaboration, infrastructure sharing, and operational efficiency are becoming central to long-term growth strategies. With parcel volumes projected to continue rising throughout the decade, both organizations are positioning themselves to capture a larger share of the expanding U.S. e-commerce market.

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Jordanian Youth Launches 2026 World Cup Export Initiative to Promote National Products

A group of young Jordanians living in the United States has launched a new initiative aimed at turning the FIFA World Cup 2026 into a global opportunity for Jordanian exports, tourism, and digital commerce. The project focuses on promoting Jordanian products in the US market through e-commerce platforms, digital campaigns, and partnerships with Arab-American communities.

Jordan Targets Global Visibility Through E-Commerce

Launched from New Jersey, the initiative aims to strengthen the international presence of Jordanian products while leveraging the global attention surrounding Jordan’s historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Organizers say the campaign is designed to transform the sporting milestone into a long-term economic and branding opportunity for Jordanian businesses.

The initiative is centered around the concept of “economic soft power,” using Jordanian products as a representation of the country’s culture, heritage, and production quality in international markets. The team plans to support local producers by connecting them with consumers in the US through digital commerce channels and targeted marketing strategies.

According to the organizers, the campaign will focus on products that reflect Jordan’s national identity and export potential. These include olive oil, zaatar, dates, spices, herbs, traditional food items, Dead Sea products, handicrafts, and heritage-inspired goods.

Digital Platform to Connect Jordanian Sellers With US Consumers

Ali AlQudah, coordinator of the initiative, stated that the team is currently developing a specialized digital platform that will help Jordanian producers access the US market more efficiently. The platform is expected to support logistics, product promotion, and distribution operations.

The initiative reportedly started with four Jordanian youth volunteers in New Jersey and has now expanded to include entrepreneurs, media professionals, and community members across several US states. Organizers expect participation to increase significantly as the World Cup approaches.

Jordan’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is also expected to create new opportunities for tourism promotion. Organizers believe that introducing consumers to Jordanian products can also encourage interest in destinations such as Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, Ajloun, and the Dead Sea.

The initiative highlights the growing role of diaspora communities in supporting cross-border commerce and digital trade while showcasing how major international sporting events can create long-term opportunities for e-commerce and export growth.

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