Standardised coverage and timely analysis helping you
to understa...
Standardised coverage and timely analysis helping you
to understand the scale and direction of trends in the business environment.
Boosted by fast payment, digital wallets and electronic money orders, electronic payment has been dominating the commercial payment in Asia Pacific and Australasia. With recovery in travel, entertainment and trading after the pandemic, growth of card…
This briefing provides a global perspective of the key trends occurring in cities over 2018 -2023. It goes on to provide forecast data and insights for cities over 2024-2040, covering areas such as the economic, population and consumer spending…
Technological advances in 2024 will continue to reshape consumer behaviour. This annual report explores the top five digital shopper trends that will redefine commerce the most in the year ahead. Some of the trends included in this report’s edition…
This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries in Q4 2023 and 2024. Global inflation is moderating, although divergence remains among the key economies. Higher volatility in the energy markets and disruption of…
The global economy is facing weaker growth and increasing fragmentation, as a result of rising geopolitical tensions, especially due to the war in Ukraine and the US-China strategic rivalry. Protectionism, industrial policy and a focus on resilience…
The global energy crisis has had far-reaching implications for consumers, businesses and entire economies, highlighting the importance of the global energy transition and boosting energy efficiency, while creating opportunities for innovation and…
In 2022, Vietnam's business environment enjoyed a large working-age population and political stability. Vietnam is emerging as a tech and electronics export hub, with machinery and electronics accounting for a significant portion of its GDP. However,…
Singapore continues to lead in terms of economic freedoms globally, offering major opportunities for businesses. Its favourable regulations, investment incentives, high innovation capacity, skilled workforce and high productivity offer a solid base…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
This report assesses the business environment in Uzbekistan, focusing on the regulatory environment, stability of the financial system, FDI intake, labour market flexibility and skillset, trade openness, mobility infrastructure, ICT adoption and…
Taiwan secured a place among the top 10 countries globally in the 2021 Index of Economic Freedom Ranking, riding on its major strengths of a highly skilled workforce, a robust financial system, sound investment incentives, and a well-established…
South Korea’s business environment remains attractive to foreign investors, due to its efficient government regulation and world-class infrastructure, as well as its high capacity for innovation and ICT adoption, which continues to improve on the…
Malaysia offers a favourable environment for business operations, ranking among the top third in the Economic Freedom ranking. The country’s businesses benefit from robust economic expansion, numerous free trade agreements, strategic location and…
Given Indonesia’s strong economic performance in 2022, business confidence continued to increase, with the country witnessing considerable growth in FDI flows and exports over the year. Indonesia recorded significant improvements in terms of labour…
India remains among the lower third countries globally in the Economic Freedom Index, weighed down by poor fiscal health and lack of monetary freedom. In addition, an inefficient judicial system, skills shortages and lagging digitalisation further…
Hong Kong continued to rank as the best place to do business globally, thanks to its simple and efficient tax system, support to small and medium-sized enterprises, efficient banking system, investment incentives, well-developed infrastructure, high…