Nokia, the world's biggest mobile phone maker, forecast today that global sales of mobile phones would grow by about 10% in volume next year compared to an expected fall of 7% this year.
Nokia said that while its own stake of the market was expected to be flat, the value of its market share in terms of euros would grow slightly.
In mid-October Nokia reported its first loss in a decade amid rising competition in the smartphone market by Apple and RIM and problems with its Nokia Siemens Networks joint venture.
Amid the global financial crisis many consumers have cut back on spending, which has also dented sales of mobile phones. Nokia has estimated that around 1.12 billion mobile devices will be sold in the world this year, which is around 7% less than last year.
Nokia said it aimed next year to increase profitability, and forecast the operating margin in its Devices and Services unit would increase from 12% this year to 14% in 2010.
It also plans to cut research and development costs in the unit and has in recent weeks announced that it will cut some 550 R&D jobs.
