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 thecarrier offering a broader range of services, as well as a stronger Slovak economy and higherforeign investment.
Last year, DHL opened three new facilities in the country at Banska Bystrica, Ruzomberok andKosice, Sita said.
According to a CEP-Research study last year, the Slovakian courier, express and postal marketwas 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 locationbetween 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-averageGDP growth rates, attracting international investors and generating new flows of imports andexports.
Annual express market growth rates of 30% or more are not uncommon in many countries in theregion.
