Hong Kong, Singapore most global trade friendly: WEF study

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

GENEVA (AFP) — Hong Kong and Singapore are the two economies most conducive to global trade, according to a ranking by the World Economic Forum released on Wednesday.

The World Economic Forum's new Global Enabling Trade Index survey of 118 economies looked at ten factors impacting trade, such as tariffs, customs administration efficiency and availability of transport and communications infrastructure.

The forum ranked Hong Kong number one thanks to its "very open market" as well as a "secure and open business environment."

Singapore's open business environment was also complemented by a "highly efficient and transparent border administration" and a well-developed transport and communications infrastructure.

Third and fourth places were taken by...