UAE ranked second for best business conditions

Dubai - Country is a model for emerging, developed economies.

The UAE leads the ranking for the best business conditions found in the world's emerging markets, according to the 2016 Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index.
The Index, in its 7th year, ranks 45 leading emerging markets countries based on their size, business conditions, infrastructure and other factors that make them attractive to logistics providers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, air cargo carriers and distributors. The Index also includes a survey of more than 1,100 global logistics and supply chain executives.
UAE, home to the powerhouse economies of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, ranks ahead of much larger economies, finishing No. 2 overall behind only China among the countries in the 2016 Index. China's economy is 25 times larger than UAE; India's is five times the size of the UAE economy; Brazil's is six times larger.

Among the countries in the Index, UAE, Qatar and Oman are the most business friendly, based on a combination of market access, risk, regulation, foreign investment, urbanization and wealth distribution. Other Gulf states also rank near the top in business conditions: Saudi Arabia (5); Kuwait (9) and Bahrain (11).
UAE leads all 45 countries in "connectedness," meaning it has the best combination of infrastructure, transport connections, and customs and border administration. The nation's geographic location and business friendly environment has made it a strategic transit hub linking the east and the west.
"The UAE is a model for emerging and developed economies alike," said Elias Monem, CEO Middle East and Africa for Agility Global Integrated Logistics. "In areas critical to logistics providers and their customers, it has been exceptionally farsighted. Its infrastructure and regulatory framework are not merely best-in-class among emerging markets, they are among finest found in any country, no matter how advanced."
The survey findings show that logistics industry executives are braced for more uncertainty and volatility in emerging markets in 2016. Sixty-one percent said they are unclear on the direction of the world economy or expect more turbulence. Their top concerns: China's economic health, oil prices and the direction of the US economy. "It was a volatile year for emerging markets, and you see that in the Index. Eight of the top 10 emerging markets shifted places," said Essa Al Saleh, president and chief executive officer of Agility Global Integrated Logistics.
"Despite the turbulence, the fundamentals driving growth remain consistent - a rising middle class with spending power, progress in poverty reduction, growing populations. That's why we are still positive on the outlook for emerging markets and see them driving global growth." Transport Intelligence (Ti), a leading analysis and research firm for the logistics industry, compiled the Index.
John Manners-Bell, chief executive Ti, said: "The world's economy is still riven by instability, and emerging markets such as China and Brazil have not been immune. However others, such as Mexico, are in a far stronger position and will benefit from the economic growth experienced in the US and Europe. More than ever, investors in emerging markets need to be discerning and the results of our Index are critical to providing clarity in a confusing and complex world."
- business@khaleejtimes.com