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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.

Dubai CommerCity Joins UNIEF as Founding Member from the UAE at WORLDEF Istanbul 2026

UNIEF

Dubai CommerCity, the first free zone in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, dedicated to digital commerce, and a joint venture between the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) and Wasl Properties,  has officially joined the United E-Commerce Federation (UNIEF), an international, non-profit organisation registered in Geneva, Switzerland and headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, as a founding member. The membership marks a key milestone in strengthening international cooperation in e-commerce, digital trade, and cross-border commerce.

The membership agreement was signed during WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 on 13 June, in the presence of Ms. Amna Lootah, Director General of Dubai CommerCity, UNIEF President Ömer Nart, and UNIEF Secretary General Burak Yalım.

As part of the membership, Arjun Sarkar, Vice President of Digital Ecosystem and Partnerships at Dubai CommerCity, has been appointed as the organization’s representative to UNIEF. In this role, he will support the federation’s international activities and contribute to its global network of e-commerce stakeholders.

Dubai CommerCity’s founding membership reflects the growing role of the UAE as a strategic hub for digital commerce, innovation, and cross-border trade. As one of the region’s leading digital commerce-focused free zones, Dubai CommerCity is expected to deliver significant value to UNIEF’s mission of connecting global e-commerce ecosystems, fostering international collaboration, and promoting sustainable growth in digital trade.

Ms. Amna Lootah, Director General of Dubai CommerCity, welcomed the membership and underlined the importance of international collaboration in the digital economy.

“We are pleased to become a founding member of the United E-Commerce Federation, reaffirming our commitment to advancing the UAE’s position as a global hub for digital commerce. This milestone reflects Dubai CommerCity’s ongoing efforts to foster innovation, strengthen cross-border trade, and support the development of a connected and future-ready digital economy. As e-commerce continues to transform the way businesses connect, compete, and grow, partnerships such as UNIEF play an important role in strengthening international cooperation, advancing industry best practices, and accelerating sustainable growth across the global digital trade ecosystem,” Lootah said

Speaking on the significance of the membership, UNIEF President Ömer Nart emphasized that Dubai CommerCity’s participation represents a strategic milestone for the federation’s global vision.

“Dubai CommerCity is one of the most important digital commerce hubs in the region. Its participation as a founding member from the UAE will add strong value to UNIEF’s international network and support our mission to create a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable global e-commerce ecosystem,” Nart said.

Arjun Sarkar, who has been designated to represent Dubai CommerCity within UNIEF, said the membership would create new opportunities for knowledge exchange and international cooperation.

“We look forward to contributing to the federation’s global initiatives and working closely with international partners to support the future of e-commerce,” Sarkar said.

UNIEF Secretary General Burak Yalım also highlighted the federation’s growing international momentum, noting that UNIEF has received strong interest from countries across different regions.

“UNIEF is growing with a strong global vision. We have held talks with representatives and stakeholders from 39 countries and received very positive feedback. Fourteen of these countries have already joined UNIEF as founding members. This shows that there is a real need for a global platform that brings together the key actors of e-commerce and digital trade,” Yalım said.

The signing at WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 also underlined the event’s role as a global meeting point for e-commerce leaders. Bringing together public institutions, retailers, marketplaces, brands, technology providers, logistics companies, and digital trade enablers from different regions, WORLDEF Istanbul continues to serve as a platform for high-level partnerships and international business development.

Through Dubai CommerCity’s participation as a founding member from the UAE, UNIEF further strengthens its international network and reinforces its commitment to advancing collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth across the global e-commerce and digital trade landscape.