Possibility of importing Finnish log houses to the United Arab Emirates. Case study: Kontiotuote Oy

Abstract

Laurea University Of Applied Sciences Abstract Laurea Leppävaara Degree Programme in Business Management International Business-to-Business Marketing

Siham Rchidi

Possibility of importing Finnish log houses to the United Arab Emirates – Case study: Kontio-tuote Oy

Year 2009 Pages 72

This thesis examines the possibility of entering a new market, the United Arab Emirates. Kon-tiotuote Oy, the second largest log house constructor in the world, was chosen as the case study. From this study, careful research and planning were found to be essential for good market entry strategy, In addition, culture, relationships and being aware of religion issues were also shown to be key factors when doing business in the United Arab Emirates market. The purpose of the study was to provide the company with a pre-research about entering a new market highlight the positive and negative parts of it and make the company to consider the UAE market in its future projects and expand its activities in the Middle East.

Source material for the theoretical background consisted mainly of general theoretical litera-ture concerning international marketing together with earlier studies on market entry and gathering information about the United Arab Emirates market.

Qualitative research was used in the thesis, in order to collect the data in the most effective way. Telephone interviews were used to reach targets of the study, and emails were applied to receive research responses.

It was suggested that, in the future, further studies would be worthwhile into the related sub-ject of importing Finnish log houses to the United Arab Emirates. In addition, an important way to succeed in doing business in such a market is by participating in different exhibitions held in the UAE and building a good relationship with local partners.