Business Dynamics

France ranks high on the Index of Economic Freedom ranking 2022, with sound trade conditions, well-developed transport infrastructure and strong innovative capabilities. However, the country still struggles with heavy tax burden and rather rigid…

Ethiopia ranks in the bottom third in the global Economic Freedom Ranking in 2022, due to an unfavourable business environment, with limited monetary and labour freedom. Skills shortages, poor transport and ICT infrastructure, as well as restrictive…

This report assesses the business environment in Ecuador, focusing on the regulatory environment, stability of the financial system, FDI intake, labour market flexibility and skillset, trade openness, mobility infrastructure, ICT adoption and…

South Africa continues to rank in the bottom half of the Economic Freedom Index, due to the high tax burden, skills shortages and poor fiscal health. However, the country benefits from a stable and sound financial system, high market capitalisation,…

With its favourable business environment, advanced transport infrastructure and high ICT adoption, Saudi Arabia is an attractive destination for business operations. The government is committed to ambitious reforms under Vision 2030, investing…

Qatar’s regulatory and operational environment is attractive to companies, as it has a low tax burden, while the country’s business confidence grew in 2022, despite geopolitical headwinds. However, the efficiency of starting, operating and closing a…

Portugal ranks in the top third globally in the Index of Economic Freedom (IEF) ranking, yet lags behind key regional peers. The country’s business environment is clouded by a relatively heavy tax burden, elevated interest rates and rigid labour…

In 2022, the Philippines struggled with monetary freedom and judicial effectiveness, and has seen a decline in its tax burden ranking. However, the country’s flexible business regulations, convenient location and financial sector improvements have…

Mexico’s economic modernisation are attempts clouded by widespread corruption, low government integrity and lack of ICT investments. Poor education and labour skills alongside intensive brain drain remain among major issues limiting advancements in…

In the Economic Freedom Ranking, Kenya falls in the bottom third globally, with its weakest performance in Trade Freedom and Fiscal Health. The low accessibility of higher education limits the availability of skilled labour, hindering the business…

Japan stands among leading economies globally, offering friendly business environment, stable and transparent judicial system, advanced mobility and logistics infrastructure, highly skilled labour and strong innovative capabilities. Financial…

The Irish economy is characterised by a favourable and free business environment, and comparative advantages, which makes it an attractive destination for FDI. Despite short-term challenges, such as declining business confidence and escalating global…

Morocco continues to rank as an average performer in terms of Economic Freedom, with its lowest scores in the Labour Freedom and Tax Burden Pillars. Morocco also faces substantial trade barriers, with a worsening score in terms of tariff rates and…

New Zealand is among the top five business environments in terms of economic freedom, and the country’s high government integrity points to a low corruption perception, and its absence of tariff and non-tariff barriers adds to an attractive…

Myanmar struggles with lack of political and economic stability, weak financial sector and widespread corruption, limiting its business environment. The country also face increasing issues with its vast informal labour market, poor financial system,…

Rampant corruption and poor enforcement of property rights continue to hinder Nigeria’s business environment, while heavy constraints on investment capital flow deter potential investors. Nevertheless, Nigeria ranks among the global leaders in labour…

The Netherlands has a highly developed economy, with a competitive business environment and a stable financial sector. The quality of the country’s judicial system is among the highest in the world, and political corruption is not tolerated. The…

Pakistan’s business environment is limited by an unstable macroeconomic environment and prevalent corruption. Moreover, a difficult financing landscape and relatively weak labour market, with complex regulations and a significant gender gap, limit…

Thailand still holds appeal as a desirable location for less value-added industries, such as agriculture and manufacturing, due to its advantageous labour costs and supportive FDI policies. In addition, Thailand is increasing investments into its…

Uganda’s economic environment remains not free, due to corruption, which hampers business operations, and poor government management of infrastructure projects, hindering progress, despite foreign investment aimed at improving the country’s…