Forbes ranks New Zealand at top of ‘Best Countries for Business’ list

New Zealand has been ranked as the number one country for business, in an annual list released today by esteemed business publication Forbes. New Zealand moved up one place from second in last year’s Forbes list.

Citing New Zealand’s business stability, entrepreneurial flair and dedication to transparency, Forbes ranked New Zealand at the top of four of its eleven ranking criteria - ’investor protection’ and ’personal freedom’ as well as ’lack of red tape’ and ’lack of corruption’.

“It is great to see New Zealand attracting such high-profile attention for its business acumen, moving from second last year to topping the international rankings in 2012,” says Anne Chappaz, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Regional Director to Europe.

The Forbes accolade follows on from New Zealand’s recent ranking of number one for ease of starting a business in the World Bank’s Doing Business 2013 report released last month.

“The New Zealand government has worked hard over a number of years to improve the business regulatory environment and to cut red tape so that our businesses and entrepreneurs can flourish and grow and become successful international players.”Anne Chappaz, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Regional Director to Europe

“The New Zealand government has worked hard over a number of years to improve the business regulatory environment and to cut red tape so that our businesses and entrepreneurs can flourish and grow and become successful international players,” added Mrs Chappaz.

Denmark, Hong Kong, Singapore and Canada rounded outForbes’ top five best countries for business with the UK at number 10.

In other accolades, New Zealand was also today voted ’Favourite Country - Worldwide’ in Britain’s prestigious Telegraph Travel Awards.