Business Excellence, Vol. 4 No. 1, 2010.
Preliminary communication
FOREST-BASED INDUSTRIES IN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA: SWOT MATRIX AND GROWTH PROJECTIONS
Nela Vlahinić-Dizdarević
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Economics
Vesna Uršić
; Croatian Forest Enterprise Ltd., Zagreb, Forest Management Unit Delnice
Abstract
Th e analysis of the Croatian forest-based industries shows very unfavourable structure
with mostly small and sub-rational saw-mill capacities that are supplying the European
furniture industry. Although the forest-based industries in Croatia are important
exporter, mostly of primary and secondary wood products and furniture of low added
value, Croatian furniture industry cannot cope with the competition. Th e results of SWOT
analysis show that the forest-based industries in Croatia have comparative, but not the
competitive advantages, and are faced with many weaknesses and potential threats that
are coming from the competition in low costs countries.
Th ough the SWOT analysis represents the solid basis for the choice of economic
policy measures, the projections of the future consumption, production and international
trade of wood products that represent the core of the forest-based cluster, are crucial for the
development policy. Th e projections presented in this paper are made for the 8 main categories
of wood products, taking into consideration three diff erent development scenarios
in Croatia and its environment: basic, conservation and integration one. Th e results of all
projections show the increase of consumption for all products, mostly for printing and writing
paper. Th e increase in consumption will be followed by increase in production but the
imports will be still rising. Th e biggest imports increase is estimated in other paper and cardboard
which, at the same time, indicates the most important increase in competitiveness.
Still, although the conservation model off ers slower production and consumption rates, it
makes the basis for the sustainable growth of forest-based industries in a long run.
Keywords
forest-based industries; Croatia; SWOT analysis; projections
Hrčak ID:
60993
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2010.
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