Global e-commerce sector gathers in Istanbul

The World E-commerce Forum (Worldef) began in Istanbul on Thursday to gather sector professionals and discuss hot topics related to the future of the sector.

The three-day event hosts representatives of major firms, experts and academics.

During dozens of sessions, many topics, including future of malls, new trends in e-commerce, blockchain, green logistics, and new generation warehouse options, will be discussed.

Among the domestic and foreign shareholders attending the event are Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, worldwide shipping firm UPS, Turkish flag carrier's air cargo subsidiary Turkish Cargo, Turkish marketplaces Trendyol and Hepsiburada, and Turkish retailer LC Waikiki.

Last year, the forum, which was held in the Turkish Mediterranean resort city Antalya, hosted more than 25,000 business-to-business meetings which are expected to generate a trading volume of $1.5 billion.