Increasing digitalization, especially after the 2000s, created a silent revolution effect. Mobile devices, which are the basis of life, have turned into limbs that make human life easier and meet their needs. We couldn’t do without them, so to speak. These technological devices, which cover every moment of our lives, have rapidly spread to many areas, from social life to economy, from daily life to information transfer. We were able to meet all our needs, big or small, by using it. Life in the virtual environment began to surround and surpass real life day by day. The last fifteen years, when the Internet began to be used more widely, have carried us into an unnamed era. Now we can find whatever we are looking for and get whatever we want with just a click of a button. It has become almost impossible to understand this frightening rapidity of the situation and to make certain predictions. We have entered a completely different lane, especially on a commercial basis. The fact that retail shopping is increasingly moving through the virtual environment has also extended to the global trade dimension. Now people can meet even their smallest needs from across continents. So much so that the platforms where global players sell tens of billions of dollars on certain discount days clearly tell us the direction of world trade.
As a strong regional and global trade center like Laleli, we must think about this situation and analyze it correctly. Could these complex structures that bring the world together on a single platform turn into the Silk Road of the future? It is obvious that our regional companies are quite flexible and proactive in this sense. All technological developments are instantly and quickly internalized and implemented by our regional companies. Our sales channels were introduced to digital infrastructure years ago. Increasing and easier communication channels in the world are implemented moment by moment in Laleli. Our customers can easily reach Laleli, the economic showcase of our country, and its valuable companies, thanks to technology. Images, products and prices can be presented easily. While there is no actual visit, many of our companies can do business with their customers through their technological infrastructure and advanced communication channels. Continuing these gains is important for the future of trade centers like Laleli, which were formed in a natural process, are valuable and have many distinctive features. The diversity and stability of our target markets over the years has made us a global brand that is rich in virtual terms and magnificent in physical terms. Developing this value and adding new dimensions are among the services we can offer to our country.
It seems that increasing e-commerce methods on a global scale ultimately have to cope with logistical problems. At this point, being able to differentiate positively is the most important key to existing in the future economic world. One of the most important pillars of global trade is logistics. A correctly, rationally and economically managed logistics system can bring commercial success even to disadvantaged countries. Moreover, it is possible that a dynamic actor like our country, which can be called the commercial star of its region, can play the leadership of the region with the right logistics methods. In this respect, in my opinion, the “Micro Export” project we carried out under the leadership of TİM is a revolutionary project for our country and Laleli. The informational meetings we planned during the month and the successful completion of the ongoing process were important steps that will take us to a global leader position. Our region’s support and adoption of this important project can be considered a historical success for Laleli. I think it would be beneficial for our regional companies to follow this project so that Laleli and its valuable companies can express themselves better and be portrayed more realistically in the eyes of financial institutions and the public. While acting together is a success in itself, maintaining this means seizing the future today. Laleli and its valued members have the power and belief to make this happen. As long as we believe it.
As I conclude my words, I wish you a successful year in this last month of the year, and I offer my respects with the hope that 2020 will bring peace, tranquility and prosperity to our country and the world.
Gıyasettin Eyyüpkoca
