Malaysia is 2017’s best country to invest in, says a US-based ranking. The ranking, done by U.S. News & World Report in collaboration with Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and BAV Consulting, said Malaysia "is the clear front-runner in this ranking," ahead of Singapore, India, Thailand, and Indonesia. The entire survey saw response from more than 21,000 participants from 80 countries based on specific areas.
More than 6,000 business decision makers voted in the “Best Country To Invest In” category based on attributes like dynamic, economically stable, entrepreneurial, favourable tax environment, innovative, skilled labour force and technological expertise.
The report says Malaysia’s highly-skilled workforce and a government that prioritizes business with extensive choice of incentives make it an attractive place to invest in. Malaysia is one of the top recipients of FDI according to UN, and as tourism keeps growing, the real estate market is also seeing a boost with access to information on incentives for potential investors via MIDA’s interactive portal.
Malaysia has scored 30 points more than all the countries on a 100-point scale, and the report states that “Investors are drawn to what they don't have”. Malaysia’s constant efforts on improving the infrastructure and facilities of its major cities allow for comfortable investment. The Recent Logistics and Trade Facilitation Masterplan for example, aspires to reach logistical face-lift through projects like the KLIA Aeropolis and Port Klang upgrades, and pushes the country to become more than ASEAN’s logistic centre alone.
“The things that make a country unique – its people, environment, relationships, framework and teachings – create four distinct factors identified in a report by the World Bank Group that motivate an individual or corporation to invest in that country: natural resources, markets, efficiency and strategic assets like technologies or brands.” the report adds further.
Other countries at the top of the list, like Singapore (2nd), and India (6th), have a younger, educated population that also generate the type of workers an industry needs at a competitive rate.
Photo credit: US News & World Report
