UPS study shows Latin American market confidence

UPS study shows Latin American market confidence An annual UPS study of the business outlook for small- and medium-sized business enterprises in Latin America shows an increasing level of confidence in market growth, with an even brighter outlook for the years ahead.
   UPS's second annual Latin America Business Monitor for small- and medium-sized enterprises shows that 84 percent of the SMEs surveyed believe their own companies will see growth in 2007 over the 2006 results. The average projected growth rate is 4 percent.
   In addition, most respondents said they will add staff this year, with 58 percent expecting to see increased payrolls. That compares with 53 percent in last year's survey.
   But the survey also shows some concerns related to market growth, with 48 percent foreseeing difficulty in finding qualified candidates to fill open positions. And while they expect continued growth in the region, 70 percent believe increased international security measures are hampering business growth.
   The UPS study noted that the outlook for 2007 is strong, but businesses feel economic growth will be even more pronounced in three years.
   'Executives are confident the region is well positioned to extend its growth, now going on five years, based on favorable trade policies and increased global competitiveness,' said Stephen Flowers, president of UPS Latin America. 'The opportunities to succeed in the region are becoming increasingly attractive.'