Singapore has taken the top position in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, ahead of Hong Kong and Switzerland, as economies compete to attract investment, support businesses and sustain economic growth.
The ranking, published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), compares 70 economies based on their ability to create conditions that allow businesses to compete and generate long-term value.
IMD assesses economies across four areas: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure.
Vietnam entered the ranking for the first time in 2026, adding another Asian economy to the global competitiveness index.
Singapore ranks first with a score of 100.0, making it the leading economy in the 2026 ranking.
Its position reflects its performance across the areas assessed by IMD, including the conditions it provides for businesses and its economic and institutional systems.
Singapore has remained a major business and financial centre in Asia, supporting its position in global competitiveness rankings. Hong Kong ranks second with a score of 95.6.
The economy continues to play a role in international trade and finance, supported by its business environment and links to global markets.
Its second-place position puts it ahead of all European economies in the ranking.
3. Switzerland
Switzerland takes third place with a score of 95.3.
The European economy ranks ahead of Taiwan and Denmark, reflecting its performance across IMD’s four competitiveness factors.
Switzerland is also the highest-ranked European economy in 2026.
4. Taiwan
Taiwan, listed by IMD as Chinese Taipei, ranks fourth with a score of 94.3.
Its position places it among the four economies that recorded scores above 94 in the 2026 ranking.
Taiwan is one of three Asian economies in the top five.