In 2007, Dutch-based courier services provider TNT saw its net income rise by over 40% on 2006, after turnover increased by around 30%.

In 2006, TNT Romania's net income reached 4m euros, therefore against an increase of over 40% the final figure could top 5.6m euros, while against a 30% advance, turnover could exceed 30m euros.

"The results are in line with TNT's international strategy of focusing on the operations where solid performances are achieved, and where TNT has gained a leading position," said Bogdan Enache, general manager of TNT Romania.

With regard to TNT's revenues, international deliveries account for the largest percentage, with DHL and UPS as the company's main rivals on this segment, while on the segment of internal delivery services, the main competitors are Cargus, Fan Courier, Curiero and TCE Logistica.

Last year, the overall value of the courier services market was estimated at 180m euros, while forecasts for 2008 point to 200m euros, according to TNT representatives.

"We don't suggest a slowdown on the courier market, but rather a maturing market. This year, we expect a positive, balanced trend, and an average growth rate of 20-25%," Enache explained.

Such a stable trend, he added, is a characteristic of neighbouring countries that joined the EU in 2004, and depends on the sustained development of the business environment.

"In recent years internal deliveries have outpaced international ones, however, considering the overall volume of deliveries the fact that growth rate differences have started to narrow is significant. Many domestic operators have been talking about rising cost pressure, considering the development of an efficient infrastructure is also necessary," added Enache.

International courier services account for around 40% of the overall market, and the tendency is for long-term sustai