Competitiveness of Balkans
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The World Economic Forum (WEF) published again a comprehensive annual survey “Global Economic Competitiveness Report 2008-2009”. Economic Forum together with its network of leading research institutes and business organisations in the countries covered by the report has calculated sc. “Global Competitiveness Index Rankings” (GCI) 134 countries poled.
The report takes into account a series of indicators in public and private institutions, macroeconomic stability, infrastructure, health, education, market and labour efficiency. The survey is designed to capture a broad range of factors affecting an economy’s business climate. The report also includes comprehensive listings of the main strengths and weaknesses of countries, making it possible to identify key priorities for policy reform.
The report is one of background information discussed in the first World Economic Forum on Europe and Central Asia will be held on 30 October – 1 November in Istanbul, Turkey.
Western Balkans
According mentioned report Slovenia has been ranked as the most competive economy in the Balkans. Slovenia’s GCI was 42 out of 134 countries polled followed Croatia (61), Greece (67), Romania (68), Bulgaria (76), Serbia (85), Macedonia (89), Bosnia-Herzegovina (107) and Albania (108). Other interesting rankings nearby Balkans are e.g. Czech Republic (33), Slovak Republic (46), Hungary (62), Georgia (90) and Moldova (95).
If compared to previous Competitiveness reports there is not dramatic changes during last five years. Only exception maybe is that both Slovenia and Croatia have passed Greece in these rankings. More information about Competitiveness and also about other WEF reports one may find from their weforum.
More my articles about Balkans and Caucasus one may find from my Archive: Blog.