Pakistan jumped three spots to number 126 out of 140 economies on the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) for the year 2015-2016.

The country ranked 129 out of 144 economies during the previous year's ranking. This is the second consecutive year that Pakistan's ranking has risen.

The GCI is a comprehensive assessment of the competitiveness landscape of economies, providing insight into drivers of productivity and prosperity.

The five most problematic factors for doing business in Pakistan during 2015-2016 cited by the report are corruption, tax rates, inflation, access to financing and insufficient government bureaucracy.

Source: WEF GCI Report 2015-2016.
Source: WEF GCI Report 2015-2016.

However, the previous year's report cited inadequate supply of infrastructure as the most problematic factor, followed by corruption, insufficient government bureaucracy, policy instability and access to financing.

Source: WEF GCI Report 2014-2015.
Source: WEF GCI Report 2014-2015.

Corruption was also considered the most problematic factor for dong business in Pakistan in 2013-2014.

Pakistan is placed at the factor driven stage of development. This is the lowest level of development along a three-stage spectrum of development which includes an efficiency driven stage at second place and an innovation driven stage ─ the most advanced stage.

Furthermore, a heatmap created by the WEF shows Pakistan placing amongst the 'worst' countries on the GCI. It is followed by Mali, Swazliand, Liberia, Madagascar, Haiti and Sierra Leone, among others.

WEF GCI heatmap.
WEF GCI heatmap.

The GCI scores out of seven Pakistan's competitiveness across 12 'pillars' or dimensions, of which Pakistan figures highest on Market size' with a score of 5 out of 7.

Source: WEF GCI Report 2015-2015.
Source: WEF GCI Report 2015-2015.

According to the WEF's Global Competitiveness Report 2015-2016, no South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) country featured in the top 50. India, however, is close at number 55, followed by Sri Lanka (68) and Nepal (100).


List of Saarc countries and their rankings:

  • India 55
  • Sri Lanka 68
  • Nepal 100
  • Bhutan 105
  • Bangladesh 107
  • Pakistan 126
  • Afghanistan (not featured)
  • Maldives (not featured)

Among all Saarc countries, Nepal is the greatest gainer since 2007, jumping 14 places during the period, while Pakistan is the greatest loser, falling 24 places.

Also read: IMF announces immediate disbursement of $504m to Pakistan

Follow Dawn Business on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and across the world.

Opinion

First line of defence

First line of defence

Pakistan’s foreign service has long needed reform to be able to adapt to global changes and leverage opportunities in a more multipolar world.

Editorial

Eid amidst crises
Updated 31 Mar, 2025

Eid amidst crises

Until the Muslim world takes practical steps to end these atrocities, these besieged populations will see no joy.
Women’s rights
31 Mar, 2025

Women’s rights

PAKISTAN’S legal system has issued some important rulings in recent days concerning women, which deserve more...
Not helping
31 Mar, 2025

Not helping

THE continued detention of Baloch Yakjehti Committee leaders — including Dr Mahrang Baloch in Quetta and Sammi ...
Hard habits
Updated 30 Mar, 2025

Hard habits

Their job is to ensure that social pressures do not build to the point where problems like militancy and terrorism become a national headache.
Dreams of gold
30 Mar, 2025

Dreams of gold

PROSPECTS of the Reko Diq project taking off soon seem to have brightened lately following the completion of the...
No invitation
30 Mar, 2025

No invitation

FOR all of Pakistan’s hockey struggles, including their failure to qualify for the Olympics and World Cup as well...