DHL has announced its ambition to become the world leader in logistics for e-commerce. 

Chief executive officer Frank Appel revealed this target to shareholders at the Deutsche Post DHL annual meeting, where he outlined the company's earnings targets. 

As part of the drive to achieve this goal, DHL is going to export its successful German parcel business model to other markets. 

Significant investments in the maintenance and expansion of the DHL global network will continue to be made by the Express division.

Mr Appel noted that the firm increased both its operating profit and revenue in 2014, despite only modest global economic growth. 

"We have big plans for this year and beyond," he commented adding: "We are laying the foundation for the future - with our Strategy 2020 we have set our priorities for the coming years."