FRANKFURT, June 7 (Reuters) - Business software maker SAP (SAPG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) expects further strong growth from its activities in Russia, the head of its Europe, Mideast and African region told German Sunday weekly Euro am Sonntag.
"Measured by total sales we aim for a plus of up to 50 percent for Russia this year," said Erwin Gunst in an abstract of the interview, which is due for publication in full length on June 8.
SAP in 2007 already raised its Russian software and related sales by 54 percent year-on-year. Russia is the company's fourth most important market after the U.S., Germany and Britain.
Gunst, who will become Chief Operating Office of SAP from July 1, also said he would focus on achieving efficiency gains to increase profitability.
"There is surely potential for that in all our markets," he said.
SAP in the first quarter of 2008 raised sales in Germany by 11 percent to 453 million euros.
Gunst said the firm targetted growth in German 2008 Calendar year sales "in the high one-digit percentage area."
Gunst also said he would be succeeded in his current job by an internal candidate, according to current planning.
