| Abstract [eng] |
For several centuries, not only foreign, but also Lithuanian authors have analysed competitiveness and its determinants which are especially relevant to today’s globalisation processes. Growing population, increasing consumption and market openness, technological development, and the declining natural resources have a strong impact on the ability of companies, industries, and countries to survive in the market and compete. The ability to gain competitive advantage and expand market share in international trade makes the business unit more competitive and successful in its field of activities. The object. The export competitiveness of Lithuanian fish products sector. The aim. To provide solutions for increasing export competitiveness of the Lithuanian fish products sector. The first part of this thesis analyses the export situation of fish products in the world and in Lithuania. The analysis revealed that the production, export, and consumption of fish production are increasing, however, depleting fish population and overcapacity limits both growth and development in markets throughout the world. Consequential, previously mentioned factors tighten competitiveness in this sector. The analysis also suggested that global research on the export competitiveness of fish products does not adequately assess the impact of all its determining factors. The second part of this paper focuses on the concept of competitiveness and models for evaluating it. It was discovered that competitiveness is characterised by the ability to operate with other market participants, gain competitive advantage, and successfully expand business. Based on Michael Eugene Porter's Five Forces Model, a model for evaluating export competitiveness in the fish sector was created. The model was designated for making decision that would increase competitiveness. This thesis provides an evaluation of the export competitiveness of the Lithuanian fish products sector and identifies main decisions for increasing competitiveness. In the presence of strong competitors, suppliers with significant negotiation power, and increasing influence of customers, the export competitiveness of the Lithuanian fish products sector would be enhanced by the following: closer relationship with customers and suppliers of raw materials, assortment development, quality improvement, and expansion into new export markets. After analysing possible competitors and potential substitutes, it was discovered that they do not cause significant risks for the Lithuanian fish products sector, therefore, the strengthening of competitive positions in the market should be positively influenced by customer satisfaction and development of trade relations. |
