Switzerland ranks second in the world for competitiveness

9 years ago - Published in Finance, Fundamental Analysis

Switzerland becomes again in second place in the ranking of the most competitive countries compiled by the Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne. Last year she was ranked fourth, losing two positions, because of the strong franc.

Hong Kong leads the ranking, displacing the first place, occupied the last three years by the United States, now dropped to third place. The US economic power is no longer enough to make her stand out in the ranking of the most competitive countries, as reported by the press today the institute.

Hong Kong enjoys an economic climate favorable to business, Arturo Bris, director of IMD's World Competitiveness Cente, says. The financial center encourages innovation through low and simple taxation and capital can flow move in / out of Hong Kong without problems.

Switzerland has regained second place – says Bris – thanks to the excellent quality of its economy: this has allowed the federal government to respond quickly to the ex-shocks of last year and keep the market at the highest levels. The Swiss model of stability and the slight risk of political instability to its advantage.
China ranks only in 25th place, losing three positions: "This trend is caused by the fall in commodity prices, a strong dollar and the deterioration of the accounts in the public and private sectors," says Bris.

"The results clearly show year after year that economic growth is not a guarantee of future competitiveness. China and Qatar have very good results in terms of economic performance, but remain weak in other sectors, such as the effectiveness of the Government and infrastructure, "says Bris. "The common pattern in all countries of the top-20 is the focus of a favorable business management, with the intangible infrastructure, among them those of the institutions," emphasizes Bris.

For the ranking – published since 1989 – 61 countries  are examined on the basis of 342 criteria that analyze the economic performance, the effectiveness of government and economic activities as well as infrastructure.