New Zealand Tops Our List Of The Best Countries For Business – Forbes

Despite having only the 60th largest economy in the world and existing in the relative secludes of the South Pacific, it seems New Zealand has once again found a way to outshine the world – at least according to Forbes.

For 2012, New Zealand has done one better on Forbes’ annual list of Best Countries for Business, winning away the top spot from Canada primarily due to its “transparent and stable business climate that encourages entrepreneurship”.

The New Zealand economy was also credited with being relatively resistant to the effects of the global financial crisis, although the appreciation of the New Zealand dollar was a balancing factor in play.

Forbes determined the Best Countries for Business by grading 141 nations on 11 different factors: property rights, innovation, taxes, technology, corruption, freedom (personal, trade and monetary), red tape, investor protection and stock market performance.

New Zealand ranked #1 in four categories: personal freedom, investor protection, lack of red tape, and lack of corruption.

A key figure in helping New Zealand secure the top spot was the performance of the NZX50 which rose by 24% in the past 12 months.

Top 10 Best Countries for Business 2012:

1. New Zealand
2. Denmark
3. Hong Kong
4. Singapore
5. Canada
6. Ireland
7. Sweden
8. Norway
9. Finland
10. United Kingdom