Brightstar expands into Vietnam, Thailand

Brightstar Corp. said it expanded into Thailand and Vietnam to further support its strategy to have a local presence in key Asia-Pacific markets.
The wireless distributor and supply-chain management company recently named Patrick Aronson managing director for Thailand and Vietnam. Based in Ho Chi Minh City, Aronson is responsible for Brightstar’s expansion plans in the region. Before joining Brightstar, Aronson managed Motorola Inc.’s mobile devices business in Southeast Asia.
“Vietnam accounted for the highest GDP growth for 2009 in Southeast Asia and has been transforming into a vibrant, modern market economy backed by a dynamic domestic market, rising middle class and increase in urbanization and incomes,” Brightstar said. “With 60% of the population under 35, there is a strong demand for mobile phones and services. According to a recent study by Research On Asia (ROA) Group, the number of mobile users in Vietnam will increase to 53 million by 2010.”
Thailand alkso is a dynamic market, with about 70 million subscribers and a penetration rate above 100%.
The mobile market in Thailand also continues to grow. According to the GSM Association, Thailand is also a dynamic market with almost 70 million subscribers, corresponding to more than 100% penetration. Thailand has witnessed a dramatic change in the market shares of major manufacturers in the last few quarters, Brightstar noted.
The company has been operating in the Asia Pacific region for more than six years, and counts more than 600 employees as well as numerous facilities.