Region |
Country |
Ease of Doing Business |
Opportunities |
Challenges |
Malaysia |
2017 Ranking
23 rd 2017 DTF Score
78.11 |
Relatively stable political landscape , vibrant economy and welldeveloped legal and financial system provides a business friendly environment for long-term investment .
English is the business language in Malaysia , which has shared history , business and legal practices with the UK .
Malaysia is transitioning into a service-based market and developing its high-income , knowledge- and innovation-based economy which provide ample opportunities for UK companies .
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Some public procurement restricts direct participation by foreign firms , and generally requires local partners .
Depreciation of Malaysian ringgit makes UK products and services expensive .
Highly competitive market with more than 5,000 foreign companies from more than 40 countries , such as the US , Europe , Australia , Hong Kong .
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Singapore |
2017 Ranking
2 nd 2017 DTF Score
85.05 |
One of the easiest places in the world to do business in . Ranked no . 2 in World Bank ’ s “ Doing Business 2017 ” Report . Minimal costs arising from bureaucracy and regulatory compliance .
Singapore is a leading financial hub in Asia . This , supported by its strong governance and institutional transparency , make it highly attractive to British financial institutions seeking to expand in Southeast Asia .
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High cost of living can deter some businesses . Singapore is one of the most expensive cities for expatriates to live in , ahead of Zurich , Hong Kong , and Geneva .
Small domestic market . Highly competitive market with welldeveloped sectors ( more challenging to find untapped opportunities ).
One of the world ’ s most expensive office real estate markets .
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World-class infrastructure for logistics , telecommunications and banking facilities . Enables operational efficiency and minimizes risk of business disruption . |
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Australia |
2017 Ranking
15 th 2017 DTF Score
80.26 |
Long history of successful trade relations between UK and Australia
Proximity , strong economic and cultural ties to high growth Asian markets offers a springboard for UK companies to enter Asian markets
Relatively safe , low risk environment ( high levels of transparency and well-regulated business environment ).
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High labour costs .
Lack of uniform trade and investment policy – complexity of navigating uncertainty surrounding investment rules .
Recent tax reforms to clampdown on companies moving profits offshore to avoid tax means British businesses investing in Australia will face greater scrutiny .
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