Business Dynamics

The global economy continues to witness resilience, supported by easing inflation, improved supply conditions and labour market strength. While an economic normalisation is underway, growth remains stagnant and below potential on the back of a…

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…

A tight labour market, persisting supply chain disruptions and elevated economic uncertainties cloud the business environment globally. Despite the challenges, there are opportunities for businesses to transform, innovate and build resilience in the…

This report summarizes global Voice of the Industry findings, based on the survey fielded from August-November 2023. Key topics included are business strategy, category performance, innovation and digital trends, along with case studies and insights…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries in 2024. Global inflation is moderating, although divergence among the key economies remains. Supply chain and commodities markets disruptions remain the key risks for…

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…

Following a decade of low borrowing costs, businesses and consumers now face increasing financial pressure due to a surge in interest rates in 2023. High interest rates have far-reaching consequences on economies, businesses and households, impacting…

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…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries. Global inflation is moderating, although divergence among the key economies increases. Higher volatility in the energy markets and disruption of agricultural commodities…

The global economy remains in the midst of a significant slowdown in Q3 2023. Economic activity is dampened as businesses and consumers globally face persistent inflation and further rises in interest rates in most countries. However, strong labour…

The report analyses the economic state of Sub-Saharan Africa. It seeks to assess the opportunities in the region against the backdrop of its young, large and fast-growing population, as well as the bottlenecks Sub-Saharan Africa faces, including…

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…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries. Global inflation is moderating, although volatility in the energy markets and faster consumption growth in China are among the key risks that could increase inflation.…

Côte d’Ivoire is facing significant challenges in its business environment due to prevalent corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and a crucial shortage of skilled professionals. Additionally, the country's ICT sector is underdeveloped, higher…

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,…

The United Arab Emirates performs well in terms of economic freedom in the Middle East and Africa as well as by global comparison, owing to strong economic growth, a rapid rate of business sector liberalisation, government support for SMEs, developed…

Turkey continues to rank relatively low in terms of economic freedom as starting and operating a business remain difficult in the country. The lack of macroeconomic stability, a depreciating currency, shortages of skilled workers and lower innovation…

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…

Romania ranks among the top third of countries globally in the Index of Economic Freedom, supported by a favourable tax system and low barriers to trade. In addition, a supportive business environment, advancing labour market regulations and…

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…

The UK continues to boast among the most favourable business environments globally, supported by a stable economy, advanced infrastructure and a skilled workforce. While the UK’s medium-sized enterprises are set to benefit from reduced regulatory and…

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…

With its highly developed ICT sector, favourable investment environment, developed infrastructure and healthy finance sector, the US ranks among the top countries in terms of economic freedom globally. During 2022, the government’s initiatives to…

In 2022, the Czech Republic had a business-friendly environment, with efficient banking and a free trade policy, allowing for easy access to financing and few barriers to the import and export of goods and services. The country has a high FDI…

Tanzania’s operational and regulatory environment faces difficulties, due to the weak rule of law, resulting in an economy lacking freedom. Although the investment environment has improved, there are still constraints, and the country ranks low…

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…

In 2022, Sweden maintained high business freedom and an attractive investment climate, placing it among the best locations to conduct business. Strong infrastructure and a high digitalisation level, along with supportive tax policies for R&D…

The Spanish business environment is globally recognised as one of the most appealing, thanks to its membership in the European Single Market that grants Spanish businesses access to a vast and diversified customer base, as well as the absence of…

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…

Peru’s business environment is facing a high tax burden as well as a lack of skilled labour and political instability. However, the country ranks among the top third of countries in the Index of Economic Freedom due to its trade and investment…