The World Economic Forum's latest global competitiveness rankings of 2017-2018 list presents a mixed picture for Asia, and Southeast Asia too.
The Global Competitiveness Index 2017-2018 edition covers 137 countries, ranking improvements in infrastructure, macroeconomic environment, as well as health and primary education, among others.
For 2017, there were 137 economies ranked in the Global Competitiveness Index of the World Economic Forum, compared to 138 countries in 2016 and 2015, 144 in 2014, 148 in 2013, and 144 in 2012.
Seasia compiled the information in order for us to know how Southeast Asian countries are performing in terms of global competitiveness.
SINGAPORE
Position in the World: 3 (previously, 2)
Position in the Region: 1
MALAYSIA
Position in the World: 25 (previously, 25)
Position in the Region: 2
THAILAND
Position in the World: 32 (previously, 34)
Position in the Region: 3
INDONESIA
Position in the World: 36 (previously, 41)
Position in the Region: 4
BRUNEI
Position in the World: 46 (previously, 58)
Position in the Region: 5
VIETNAM
Position in the World: 55 (previously, 60)
Position in the Region: 6
PHILIPPINES
Position in the World: 56 (previously, 57)
Position in the Region: 7
CAMBODIA
Position in the World: 94 (previously, 89)
Position in the Region: 8
LAOS
Position in the World: 98 (previously, 93)
Position in the Region: 9
Myanmar (Burma) is not included in the report.
The Philippines' almost flat performance placed it behind most of its neighbors in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN): Vietnam, Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Brunei and Vietnam have overtaken the Philippines to secure the 5th and 6th positions in the region, respectively. Brunei jumped 12 notches this year, while Indonesia improved by 5 spots.
Source : Asia Nikkei, Rappler.com
