Malaysia is ranked primary in Southeast Asia within the just-released Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index for 2017. Malaysia was ranked fourth in the general index, which provides an summary of industry sentiment and a rating of the world’s 50 leading emerging markets by size, business conditions and infrastructure and transport connections.
China, the world’s second-largest economy, again topped the emerging markets, overtaking India, which climbed to second place, its highest-ever rating. They were followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey and Russia.
“Malaysia’s open economy and continued investment in infrastructure have made it an attractive export location,” said Chris Price, CEO of Agility Global Integrated Logistics for Asia-Pacific, in a press release released in Switzerland yesterday.
“The country continues to develop and modernize its economy, aiming to achieve high-income status by 2020. It is likely to remain a leader in Asia and a country that other emerging markets look to as they develop their own long-term strategic plans,” he added.
Of the 50 countries included within the index, Malaysia was second only to the UAE by way of market linkages, which measure the efficiency of domestic and international transport infrastructure.
Among the smaller economies included within the index, with annual gross domestic product of US$300 billion (RM1.33 billion) or less, Malaysia had one of the best rating for market size and growth attractiveness. The index, now in its eighth 12 months, reflects stagnation in global growth and turmoil in emerging markets. There were no changes among the many top 10 countries, however the scores of seven of the ten countries – China, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico and Russia – fell. The index was developed by Transport Intelligence, a number one analytical and research company for the logistics industry.
Transport Intelligence chief executive John Manners-Bell said: “The past 12 months has seen uncertainty and volatility in lots of emerging markets.
“The situation is aggravated by the political environment in Europe and the United States, which will have direct consequences for trade with Latin America, Asia and Africa.”
Other highlights from the 2017 index:
- Logistics executives surveyed say the health of China’s economy will likely set the tone for emerging markets overall.
- Seventy-six percent of survey respondents say China’s economy is slowing, but only 17 percent say the slowdown is significantly hampering the transportation and logistics sector. Nearly 66 percent say the slowdown in China’s economy won’t change their business or expansion plans in China.
- Iran climbed eight places to 18th place on the index and climbed from ninth to fifteenth place amongst countries, as respondents say it has the best growth potential as a logistics market. Iran’s gains were the biggest of any country included within the 2017 index or study.
Read more: http://www.nst.com.my/news/2017/01/206841/malaysia-no1-se-asia-4th-overall
