Significant, well-organized infrastructure is a need and priority for any economy to work competitively. That groundwork needs to be conserved and even modernized if a country wants its economy to run efficiently.
The World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index 2016-2017 looks at the financial health and risks of countries around the world.
One of the sub-indexes ranks countries' infrastructure after scoring them from 1-7. A score of 7 is the best you can get.
While no country scored a perfect 7, there are a number of countries that claimed a score of over 6.
Out of 138 countries in total of WEF’s assessment, take a look at the top 5 who are leading the way!
- Hong Kong SAR
Hong Kong has an unconventional land, sea, and air transportation and communication systems. It is one of the easiest places in the world to do business due to its up-to-date travel, logistics and telecommunications networks and a thriving port.
- Singapore
Singapore remains at the top, and the best in Asia Pacific ranking. Singapore has inbred a grand infrastructure and well-built transport system. The government has invested momentous amounts in public transport, particularly the mass shipment structure.
- Netherlands
Netherlands has an outstanding organization of harbors, airports, and highways. It also has an exceedingly advanced telecommunications organization. The capital city, Amsterdam is a poster child for smooth and efficient infrastructure for anyone travelling by foot, bike, car, tram, train, or car.
- United Arab Emirates
The UAE knows how important infrastructure spending is to boost its overall economy. And the construction sector is set to grow by 6.6% this year, compared to the overall economy which is pipped to rise by 2.6% in 2016.
- Japan
The country is famous for its incredible infrastructure, such as its capability of high-speed bullet trains. In August, the government announced a huge $61 billion infrastructure spend to help boost its tourist numbers.
What about other countries in Southeast Asia?
Regional players have seen their currencies depreciate against the dollar, such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, continue to put pressure on the infrastructure investment fund side to boost their competitiveness.
Here are the world's ranks of other Southeast Asian countries:
25. Malaysia
38. Thailand
41. Indonesia
57. Philippines
58 Brunei Darussalam
60. Vietnam
89. Cambodia
93. Lao PDR
Myanmar (Data Not Available)
