DHL Slovakia turnover up 18%
DHL Express Slovakia has reported turnover up 18% to over SKK 1 billion (EUR 29 million) last year, with the number of international shipments increasing by 12% to around 200,000.
Laurenc Svitok, DHL Express Slovakia CEO, told the Sita news agency the growth was due to the carrier offering a broader range of services, as well as a stronger Slovak economy and higher foreign investment.
Last year, DHL opened three new facilities in the country at Banska Bystrica, Ruzomberok and Kosice, Sita said.
According to a CEP-Research study last year, the Slovakian courier, express and postal market was worth EUR 65 million, which would make DHL the clear market leader among foreign carriers.
Slovakia is yet to realise its potential as an express market, however, despite its location between neighbouring Austria and the larger Czech and Hungarian economies, the study said.
Driven by EU accession, central and eastern Europe markets are now achieving above-average GDP growth rates, attracting international investors and generating new flows of imports and exports.
Annual express market growth rates of 30% or more are not uncommon in many countries in the region.
