The Baltic Sea Region, including relatively poor countries such as Poland, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania but also economic giants such as Denmark, Finland or Sweden, is discussed controversially in literature. The Financial Times calls the region an "economic tiger" or even "the Engine Room of Europe" (Burt 1999, 1). Others do not see such good prospective and rather warn that "positive trends should not lead to total optimism … [because, in their view,] economic integration comprising all states bordering the Baltic Sea is not easily to be visualized in the near future" (NEBI Yearbook 1998, 5). The decision of a company, whether to invest or to go public in a certain country, should be based (mainly) on the analysis of the region which is not always an easy task.
The main objective of this paper is thus to analyse the economic situation in the Eastern Baltic Rim countries by looking at the integration process into the EU, the successes in attracting foreign investors, and the success of the transforming process in general by the means of a SWOT analysis. Theoretical information will give the ability to understand Chapters three through seven on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the region.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- INTRODUCTION
- BASIC INFORMATION
- THE TRANSITION COUNTRIES IN THE BALTIC SEA REGION
- THE METHOD OF THE SWOT ANALYSIS
- OPPORTUNITIES OF TRANSFORMING COUNTRIES
- EASTERN ENLARGEMENT OF EUROPEAN UNION (EU)
- POLITICAL OPPORTUNITIES
- ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
- FOREIGN INVESTMENTS
- FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI)
- OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH THE STOCK EXCHANGE
- Going Public under Governmental Control
- Opportunities of Private Companies to Go Public
- THREATS OF THE TRANSFORMING COUNTRIES
- PROBLEMS WITH RUSSIA
- THE EU-ENLARGEMENT AS THREAT
- THE EU AS A SAFE HARBOUR
- THREAT OF LOSING NATIONAL IDENTITY THROUGH EU ENLARGEMENT
- THREAT OF A SPLIT REGION
- COSTS OF A MEMBERSHIP as ThreAT
- STRENGTH OF THE TRANSFORMING COUNTRIES
- SUCCESSFUL INTRODUCTION OF PRECONDITIONS
- LEGAL BASE
- STATE OF PRIVATISATION
- LIBERTY OF MARKETS
- MACROECONOMIC STABILISATION
- REGIONAL STRENGTH OF THE REGION
- NATURAL STRENGTH
- INTRA BALTIC COOPERATION AS STRENGTH
- STRENGTH ATTRACTIVE TO INVESTORS
- STRENGTH ATTRACTING FDI
- STRENGTHS OF STOCK-MARKETS
- WEAKNESSES OF TRANSFORMING COUNTRIES
- GENERAL PROBLEMS
- INFRASTRUCTURE
- MENTALITY OF PEOPLE
- INSTABILITIES IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR
- BANKING SECTOR
- STOCK-MARKETS
- WEAK LEGISLATION
- GENERAL ASPECTS
- SPECIAL PROBLEMS WITH POLAND
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This term paper aims to provide a comprehensive SWOT analysis of transition countries in the Baltic Sea Region, focusing on the economic and political challenges and opportunities they face. The analysis evaluates the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that these countries encounter in their transformation process.
- The economic and political transformations of transition countries in the Baltic Sea Region
- The role of the European Union (EU) enlargement in shaping the region's future
- The impact of foreign investments and the development of financial markets
- The challenges posed by Russia and the potential for regional cooperation
- The strengths and weaknesses of transition countries in attracting investment and fostering sustainable development
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The paper begins by introducing the concept of SWOT analysis and the context of the Baltic Sea Region. It then delves into the opportunities for these countries, examining the potential benefits of EU enlargement and the influx of foreign investments, including Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and stock market opportunities. The next section analyzes the threats facing the transforming countries, including potential issues with Russia, the risks associated with EU membership, and the challenges of maintaining national identity.
The paper then shifts its focus to the strengths of these countries, highlighting their successful introduction of preconditions for economic growth, their regional cooperation, and their attractiveness to investors. Finally, it explores the weaknesses of the transforming countries, including infrastructure challenges, mentality issues, and instabilities in the financial sector.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This term paper focuses on the SWOT analysis of transition countries in the Baltic Sea Region, exploring the key concepts of EU enlargement, foreign investments, FDI, stock markets, regional cooperation, economic and political transformation, and infrastructure development.
- Quote paper
- Manja Ledderhos (Author), 2002, SWOT analysis of transition countries in the Baltic Sea region, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/3225
