DHL

: identification of opportunities in the Southeast Asia (OB & IB)

Abstract

The world is in a volatile period, with economic and geopolitical changes impacting the global outlook. Inflation rose to multidecade highs, pushing rapid monetary policy tightening and squeezing household budgets, just as pandemic ­related fiscal support is shrinking. Nonetheless, international trade has proven somewhat resilient to these shocks, expect to continue growing in 2022 and 2023. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region is forecast to achieve the fastest trade growth until 2026, which is attracting Portuguese companies to these markets. The aim of this thesis was to explore opportunities for DHL’s clients in the ASEAN markets. Through qualitative and quantitative research, this paper adds valuable findings on (1) the most attractive countries to enter, (2) the reasons behind the client’s interest in these countries, and (3) what industries have more opportunities to supply or export to these destinations. Combined results demonstrate that (1) the most attractive countries to enter are Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Indonesia, (2) Portuguese companies are mainly interested in the ASEAN countries’ dimensions and growth, as well as its cheap labor, and (3) the most exported and imported products include Electrical machinery and equipment; Industrial machinery; and Mineral fuels, oils and waxes.

Date of Award	25 Jan 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Rute Xavier (Supervisor)