Economic Performance Rankings: US and Japan

J. Sean Curtin (Professor, Japanese Red Cross University)

This commentary originally appeared in the "Japan-U.S. Discussion Fourm" (http://lists.nbr.org/japanforum) on April 30, 2002: posted here with the author’s permission.

Despite the Enron scandal and other high-profile bankruptcies, the US has maintained its position as the most competitive place in the world to do business according to the latest annual report by the International Institute for Management Development in Switzerland.

The US has maintained the top slot for seven consecutive years. It ranked first for business efficiency, direct investment flows and the use of computers.

Japan, once ranked number one by the institute, has now been relegated to 30th position because of the continuing economic woes. The report warns that Japan could face further declines as the euro gains ground in challenging the yen for its position as an alternative to the dollar.

The report does not predict a rosy worldwide recovery in 2002, instead predicting a rough ride towards improvement during the course of the year.

References:
International Institute for Management Development in Switzerland
http://www01.imd.ch/
World Competitiveness Yearbook http://www01.imd.ch/wcy/
Rankings http://www02.imd.ch/wcy/ranking/