KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia has advanced 11 spots in the World Competitiveness Ranking (WCR) 2025, to 23rd among 69 economies, up from 34th placing last year.
The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) of Malaysia said in a statement on Tuesday that this ranking is the country's best since 2020, reflecting the progressive momentum in Malaysia's economic recovery and reform agenda, and reaffirming its trajectory towards becoming one of the world's top 12 most competitive economies by 2033, as targeted under the Madani Economy framework.
It noted that economic performance, government efficiency, and business efficiency factors drove Malaysia's overall competitiveness performance.
Malaysia ranked 4th globally in economic performance, improving 4 spots from 8th place last year. Both government efficiency and business efficiency factors improved by 8 positions.
Meanwhile, the international trade sub-factor increases 11 places to 6th, supported by strong export growth in goods and services, diversified markets, and rising tourism receipts, strengthening Malaysia's trade surplus.
"Malaysia's move up the rankings by 11 positions to 23rd from 34th last year reflects how bureaucracy-related reforms are closely intertwined with facilitating robust investment and industrial growth, both critical for enhancing Malaysia's attractiveness as a preferred investment destination," MITI Minister Zafrul Aziz said.
He added that the government's whole-of-government approach under the Madani framework also demonstrates its commitment to holistic structural reforms.
The WCR is published annually by the Institute for Management Development based in Switzerland. It is a comprehensive report that evaluates countries based on their ability to create and maintain a business-friendly environment that fosters long-term prosperity. ■
