Philippines moves up to 51st spot in global competitiveness ranking
The Philippines' competitiveness ranking rose one notch this year amid improvements in economic performance and infrastructure, according to a report by the Switzerland-based Institute for Management Development (IMD).
In its 2025 World Competitiveness Report, the IMD placed the Philippines 51st, up from 52nd last year, out of 69 economies it ranked all over the world.
The IMD's World Competitiveness Ranking, first published in 1989, 'analyzes and ranks countries according to how they manage their competencies to achieve long-term value creation.'
IMD divides its data into four areas, namely economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure.
The four areas, together, capture various aspects of competitiveness, such as macroeconomic stability, fiscal policy, institutional quality, market openness, business dynamism, innovation, education, health, and environmental performance, according to the Swiss institute.
The latest IMD report showed the Philippines' ranking in terms of the four key areas:
Economic Performance - 33rd up from 40th
Government Efficiency - 51st down from 49th
Business Efficiency - 46th down from 43rd
Infrastructure - 60th up from 61st
Among Asia-Pacific's 14 economies, the Philippines ranked 13th—unchanged for six consecutive years.
The IMD's report cited the following challenges for the Philippines this year:
Rekindle the country's economic dynamism and growth trajectory.
Address inflation expectations.
Promote investments in inclusive technology to boost labor productivity and empower entrepreneurship.
Improve education and healthcare to promote inclusive growth and reduce vulnerabilities.
Adapt to shifting global economic and geopolitical dynamics.
The report ranked Switzerland as the most competitive economy in the world this year, followed by Singapore and Hong Kong. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
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