In a significant development for Iran’s e-commerce sector, October 15th, designated as National E-commerce Day, will see the third annual 724 event take place. The concept of 724 operations, signifies the availability of services 24/7, seven days a week.
Third Annual 724 Event to Commemorate the Thriving E-commerce Industry
According to IDEA, The event is organized to celebrate the growth and success of e-commerce in the country. This year, it coincides with the formal recognition of National E-commerce Day by the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution, marking October 15th on the official calendar. Amin Kalahdouzan, the head of the E-commerce Development Center (TEC), announced in a press conference held at the Ministry of Industry, Mining, and Trade, that the event aims to honor and acknowledge the outstanding achievements in e-commerce, showcase leading e-commerce businesses, and assess the state of e-commerce in the nation.
The event will also include the presentation of awards to notable e-commerce pioneers, further emphasizing the importance and growth of the digital marketplace in Iran.
Embracing a Proactive Approach
Amin Kalahdouzan, the head of the E-commerce Development Center (TEC), shared insights regarding the differences in this year’s National E-commerce Day celebration compared to the past two years. He stated, “This year, we are approaching this event with a proactive mindset. This means that, in addition to the natural growth of this ecosystem, we intend to accelerate this growth with support. This is vital because there are challenges in the government that these businesses can solve with the three key elements of ‘speed of action,’ ‘agility,’ and ‘transparency’ in both the private and public sectors.”
Kalahdouzan further explained, “In this year’s event, sessions and meetings will be held to establish memorandums of understanding between the government and the private sector. Moreover, in the closing segment, we will collaborate with the Ministry of Science and the Ministry of Education to promote e-commerce among young people.”
He elaborated on the specialized panel representing digital business enthusiasts as another distinctive feature of this year’s event. The intention is to hold these events continuously rather than solely on the national day.
the growth of e-commerce in Iran
Regarding the growth of e-commerce in Iran, Amin Kalahdouzan pointed out that this sector holds vast untapped potential. In the past year, e-commerce saw 1800 billion Toman financial transactions, indicating the growth potential of this market.
Kalahdouzan expressed his hope that e-commerce would achieve a 50% growth rate this year and emphasized that all stakeholders, both in the private and public sectors, must collaborate to make this growth a reality. He also highlighted the employment opportunities that the e-commerce sector offers, expressing optimism for its future.
Transparency: A Key Component of E-commerce
In response regarding the topic of transparency and the potential violation of individuals’ privacy, Amin Kalahdouzan elaborated, “E-commerce is inherently transparent. The recording of information can be beneficial, not only in transferring personal user data but also in monitoring non-standard purchases and providing this information to the authorities. E-commerce serves as a transparency-enhancing tool, and it is crucial to determine how it is utilized. However, it is vital for the government to remove obstacles along the path of online businesses.”
Considering the sanctions and the conditions in neighboring countries, it seems that the golden opportunity for startups to export their products has diminished. However, is the issue of exports still on the agenda of the E-commerce Development Center?
In response, Kalahdouzan stated, “The topic of exports is a crucial part of our plans, and we have three approaches to it. Firstly, we encourage companies that can become exporters. This has been an ongoing effort.”
Kalahdouzan also addressed the attachment regarding reforming fee systems, tax evasion, and the challenges posed by businesses such as doctors and taxi drivers who do not use electronic payments due to tax evasion concerns, saying, “The digital nature is inherently transformative. The economy is analyzed through indicators, not incidents.
We are aware of all the deficiencies in this path, such as doctors who do not use card readers due to tax evasion or taxi drivers who tamper with QR codes. It’s true that the growth rate of e-commerce is slow, but despite all these challenges, e-commerce is on the rise. I have emphasized multiple times that the capacity for e-commerce in Iran can double. In the payment sector, we are among the top five countries globally, and the ratio of electronic payments to cash is very high, offering promise for positive developments in this area.
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