Region |
Country |
Ease of Doing Business |
Opportunities |
Challenges |
Mexico |
2017 Ranking
47 th 2017 DTF Score
72.29 |
Mexico ’ s stable , slow-growing economy is a bright star for trade in Latin America .
Highly accessible market thanks to the sheer number — more than 45 — of on-going free trade agreements .
The world ’ s most obese nation , according to WHO with one-third of the population affected , offers strong growth potential for healthcare and related industries .
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There are no signs of Mexico winning the war with the drug cartels in the near-term . Crime and insecurity are major concerns for people and businesses .
Mexico ’ s close trade links to the US mean British companies must offer unique or highly diversified propositions to warrant consideration .
More than half of the population lives in poverty , making it a tough market for higher-value products and services .
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Asia |
India |
2017 Ranking
130 th 2017 DTF Score
55.27 |
Falling commodity prices will reduce the current account deficit and improve the macroeconomic situation making India a more attractive investment destination for British companies .
India is a top investor in Britain . Any bilateral agreement removing EU-related trade tariffs would benefit two-way trade between the countries .
A weaker pound will make British valuations more attractive and drive Indian investments and acquisitions in the country .
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Indian businesses in the UK — mainly automobiles and components , pharmaceuticals , gems and jewellery , education and IT — are highly sensitive to fluctuations in currency and the business environment .
Current turbulence in the global financial market will increase shortterm capital flight from India , devaluing the rupee and increasing volatility in India ’ s financial market .
Exports to the UK are expected to face short-term challenges owing to confusion surrounding Brexit and its potential implications on trading processes .
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China |
2017 Ranking
78 th 2017 DTF Score
64.28 |
Economic transformation towards local consumption and a highly mechanized and service-oriented economy is creating new opportunities for foreign companies , in sectors such as e-commerce and high-tech products . |
China ’ s economic growth is just 7 % ( almost a recession in local terms ) continuing a downward trend since 2010 . A corresponding rise in labour and materials cost are causing some foreign investors to relocate operations elsewhere in the region ( eg Vietnam and Thailand ). |
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Chinese consumers are becoming wealthier and demanding higherquality and customized products and services . Local companies in many sectors will need to partner foreign firms to satisfy demand for higher-value goods .
Strong Sino-British relationship with the UK being China ’ s second largest trading partner in the EU and the 4th largest globally . Britain continues to build stronger ties with China and seeks to become China ’ s “ best partner in the west ”.
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The enhanced capabilities of local businesses are diminishing technological and skills advantages previously enjoyed by foreign firms . British companies must focus on creating growth in an increasingly competitive market . Local businesses will also maintain an upper hand — at least in the short term — in navigating the complex and often opaque bureaucratic , legal and regulatory landscapes .
China and EU have been embroiled in some trade disputes over issues such as higher EU tariffs on cheap Chinese steel . As part of the EU , Britain helped mitigate some of these issues . Nevertheless , Brexit will see UK companies have to balance their relationships and business strategies with counterparts in both the EU and China .
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